"Third hand" smoke (PSA?)

laurenrobbie · January 2010

There have been several posts lately on smoking/smokers around babies, and I have responded to those posts, but also noticed in some of the responses that some of the posters wonder about effects of smoke on clothing, etc.

It is called "third hand smoke". Here is an excerpt:

Parents who smoke often open a window or turn on a fan to clear the air for their children, but experts now have identified a related threat to children?s health that isn?t as easy to get rid of: third-hand smoke.

That?s the term being used to describe the invisible yet toxic brew of gases and particles clinging to smokers? hair and clothing, not to mention cushions and carpeting, that lingers long after second-hand smoke has cleared from a room. The residue includes heavy metals, carcinogens and even radioactive materials that young children can get on their hands and ingest, especially if they?re crawling or playing on the floor.

More here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/health/research/03smoke.html

And here:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-is-third-hand-smoke

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thirdhand-smoke/MY00591

I thought I would post this to answer those questions in the previous posts.

Note: I am NOT trying to start a smoking debate. If you do not agree with the science in these articles, that is fine. I am just posting/passing along information.

lildevil968 · January 2010

It is also carried on their hands! When DD was little she had numerous problems with Pneumonia, and the respiratory Dr. told us that cig. smoke is also brought in the house from the hands of the smoker. Needless to say DH quite smoking that night.

moobug · January 2010

Thanks for the links. I'm may send the mayo clinic link to a few family members before they visit... just to drive the point home with a name they will recognize and respect.

eileenberg · January 2010

I recently heard of third hand smoke and I'm happy that you posted this. My mother smoked while pg with me and still does. I have so many allergies and asthma that I wouldn't know what it's like to not sneeze all day.

I admit, I was a smoker as well for a while but quit well over a year ago. Now that it is in the past , I do not want anyone smoking around me or my LO. But I also told my mom that she needs to read up on third hand smoke before she holds my baby.

Breaking the cycle.....

monj76 · January 2010

I am so glad that almost no one that will come into contact with our baby smokes. With the exception of FIL, but I never smell smoke on him. Do you think it is still a problem if you cannot even smell the smoke?

StrawberryAlarmClock · January 2010

Indifferent DH is reading this. TONIGHT.

ETA: Possibly a dumb question.....does showering help at all???? Probably not.

lildevil968 · January 2010

monj76:
I am so glad that almost no one that will come into contact with our baby smokes. With the exception of FIL, but I never smell smoke on him. Do you think it is still a problem if you cannot even smell the smoke?

Mrs_D_in_KY · January 2010

I sent this to my mom and soon to be SIL. They both smoke, and I'm hoping they take to heart that I am just looking out for LO.

To each their own with smoking, DH & I were smokers for several years. However, once he donated his kidney to his father in May, it was better for both of us health wise to just quit. (Plus I got PG soon after)

lildevil968 · January 2010

lildevil968:
monj76:
I am so glad that almost no one that will come into contact with our baby smokes. With the exception of FIL, but I never smell smoke on him. Do you think it is still a problem if you cannot even smell the smoke?

Dang it...i tried responding back, but for some reason hit enter, and the bump won't let me delete my own dang post!! Anyway to answer your question, yes it could be a problem because like I said in my previous post it comes in on their hands, and their clothes.

starryeyeddreamer · January 2010

I have heard about this before too & the fact that it is more dangerous than 2nd hand smoke. I have thought about bringing the issue up to my mom (who smokes) - however, I don't want to upset her either. I know it is for the safety of LO & she would never smoke around LO. I just need to find a tactful way to let her know as I know she has tried hard to quit before & has been successful in the past. It's a tough situation to be in.

daniellejeanne35 · January 2010

I was sitting in the waiting room yesterday at the Dr's office. A woman and her baby sat next to me. I instantly could smell the smoke on her hair/cloths. It was disgusting!!! I was thinking about this, that the baby could smell the smoke on her clothes. I felt bad for the poor baby.

BottomStar · January 2010

StrawberryAlarmClock:

DH is reading this. TONIGHT.

ETA: Possibly a dumb question.....does showering help at all???? Probably not.

showering will help to get it out of hair and off skin, but i would also make them change clothes before holding the baby or sitting on any upholstered furniture. If it's on their clothes, it can spread to furniture easily and it sticks around for a long time, unless you do a heavy duty steam clean and sanitize.

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