Thirdhand Smoke :: Breathe NH

If you have ever entered an empty room or a car still smelling of cigarette smoke, you have experienced thirdhand smoke.

Particles in tobacco smoke settle onto clothing, carpets, furniture, walls, drapes, surfaces, bedding, hair, dust
Chemicals can stay on surfaces for days, weeks and in some cases, months
Thirdhand smoke chemicals can be found on skin, hair, car seats, toys, and bedding

Nicotine and other toxins leftover from the smoke can be breathed in or swallowed, causing the same risk for health problems as secondhand smoke
Babies and children are at a higher risk for harm because they spend time on the floor where they crawl and put toys in their mouths
Babies and children have smaller lungs and breathe faster so more chemicals are able to get into their bodies causing higher levels of toxins
Studies show that childhood and infant smoke exposure is linked to asthma, SIDS, respiratory and ear infections, low birth weight and behavior/cognitive development problems

Smoke outside and ask visitors to smoke outside
Make all homes, offices and buildings 100% smoke free
Help people understand the impact of third hand smoke, especially on children’s health
Kindly ask people not to smoke around children and pregnant women
If smoking has occurred in a room or car, clean air and surfaces with a disinfectant spray
Be a role model and quit smoking

Thirdhand Smoke