What is Third Hand Smoke?
The term “third hand smoke” is used to describe the particles from cigarettes which cling to textiles, rugs, and furnishings even after a smoker leaves the room. People can be exposed to the toxins in cigarettes indirectly through third hand smoke, much as people can be exposed through second hand smoke when a smoker is present. Research has suggested that third hand smoke has the potential to be harmful, although additional study is needed to determine the extent of health problems caused by third hand smoke. As many people are aware, a room or car which has been smoked in will smell like smoke even when a smoker is not present. Likewise, the clothing, hair, and bedding of smokers tends to smell like smoke. This scent is caused by various chemicals and gases present in cigarettes which are emitted when cigarettes are smoked. In addition to leaving an odor behind, cigarettes evidently also leave toxins, and this is why some people are concerned about third hand smoke. The toxins presen
