Quitting smoking is hard. However, understanding tobacco use risks and the benefits of quitting can boost motivation and help you stay focused on your goal. It is now known that primary smoke isn’t the only cause for concern. Secondhand and thirdhand smoke also contain toxins that can make people sick.
Secondhand smoke is released from burning tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. It is also smoke that has been exhaled by the person smoking. Secondhand smoke – also known as passive or environmental smoke – contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic, increase risk for many diseases, worsen or cause asthma in children, and about 70 that can cause cancer.
Secondhand smoke is estimated to cause over 50,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Thirdhand smoke is residual nicotine, particles, and other chemicals left on surfaces by tobacco smoke after the cigarette is extinguished. Thirdhand smoke attaches to hair, clothing, furniture, walls, carpet, curtains, bedding, dust, and inside vehicles.
Thirdhand smoke residue remains long after smoking and builds up on surfaces over time. It is highly toxic and not easy to remove. A common misperception is that thirdhand smoke can be eliminated by opening windows, using a fan, or restricting smoking to certain areas.
Carcinogens in thirdhand smoke are a health and cancer risk for anyone who comes into contact with them. Thirdhand smoke exposure poses the same health risks as first or secondhand smoking.