What is third-hand smoke?

Question

Hi doctor,

My question is about third-hand smoke. My husband and I do smoke and we are trying to quit. My daughter-in-law is so concerned about third-hand smoke. We are no longer allowed to see our grandchildren until we have completely quit smoking. We only smoke outside and are down to five cigarettes a day. We have never smoked around our grandchildren. She says that even we smoke outside the third-hand smoke gets to us and we transfer it to our house. Are we really putting our grandchildren's health at risk?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Third-hand smoke is a newly postulated concept of toxic compounds being formed due to a reaction between nicotine and environmental components, forming nitrosamines, which are considered potential carcinogens. To be crisp and specific, first-hand is the smoker, second-hand is the smoke, and third-hand is what is left indoors after smoking.

Even though you smoke outdoors, some of the smoke is deposited on the skin and clothes. So, there is a possibility of it being transmitted to the kids. Kids are particularly vulnerable as they play and keep their hands and toys in their mouth. One way to abide by the concept and still play with your grandchildren would be to have a shower before. I wholeheartedly appreciate and encourage your sincere attempt to quit smoking. There are many smoking de-addiction programs that include NRT (nicotine replacement therapy).