Thirdhand smoke - worse than you thought - worse during COVID

Thirdhand smoke is dangerous. By far, the best response is to prevent it in the first place. When people spend more time indoors, third-hand smoke residues in furniture, carpeting and other surfaces may be at higher concentrations than at other times.

For more information, go to:

https://thirdhandsmoke.org/covid-19-reminds-us-of-the-importance-of-air-quality-in-our-homes/?utm_source=Thirdhand+Smoke+Resource+Center&utm_campaign=dec3785411-THS+Monthly+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_17b13f2219-dec3785411-372860253

When people smoke indoors, the smoke settles into furniture, carpeting and other furniture. It can be very difficult to get rid of, so it is very important not to allow smoking inside your home or vehicle.

Secondhand smoke is what people are exposed to at the time that someone else is smoking. It contains many harmful chemicals. When the smoke settles into objects it is called thirdhand smoke. It can re-enter the air for a long period of time (months - years?). Some of the chemicals can react with other substances in the air to form even more dangerous chemicals calls TSNAs (tobacco specific nitrosamines).

Children and anyone with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems can be especially affected, but there is no safe level of secondhand and thirdhand smoke for anyone. Babies, with their crawling and hand-to-mouth activities, can be especially vulnerable through skin contact and ingestion of thirdhand smoke particles.

For more information also see “SmokeFree Nebraska” at:

smokefree.ne.gov