Cigarette Smoke Can Be Lurking In Your Home -- Even If You Don't Smoke!

We all know that tobacco smoking can cause cancer. We also should know by now that even second-hand smoke is dangerous. Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is talking about third-hand smoke as being potentially dangerous. What is the difference?

Second-hand vs third-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke is when you are in the presence of other smokers. Secondhand smoke (SHS) is also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). According to the American Cancer Society, non-smokers who breathe in SHS inhale nicotine and toxic chemicals the same way that smokers do. The more SHS you breathe, the greater the increase of harmful chemicals entering your body.

Third-hand smoke is caused by second-hand smoke being carried into the home and setting into dust and can remain on surfaces for months. This is called residual tobacco smoke and can be inhaled or ingested by those living in the home. Even though the occupants do not smoke, they can bring second-hand smoke into the home on their clothing, shoes and anything else they bring home from the second-hand smoke environment.

How dangerous is third-hand smoke?

According to the American Cancer Society, researchers are actively studying the affects of third-hand smoke. In the meantime, you can protect yourself from any potential danger from third-hand smoke by doing the following:

• Replace carpeting that has been exposed to a smoking environment, or remove carpeting altogether.
• Have your car cleaned thoroughly if it has been exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Even air ducts can retain smoke and should be cleaned out professionally.