By ERIN BUELL
"Could you please change your shirt before you hold my baby?"
This random-sounding request actually supports some of the latest warnings about nicotine, smoke and small children. Third-hand smoke presents a health hazard that is worth paying attention to.
First-hand tobacco smoke is the active inhalation of tobacco from smoking a cigarette. Second-hand smoke is the passive inhalation of tobacco smoke coming directly from the burning end of a cigarette, which may then be inhaled by the smoker or someone else. The residue of tobacco and the nicotine and other chemicals from a cigarette that is no longer burning are referred to as third-hand smoke. The byproducts of third-hand smoke stick to hair and clothing, furniture, walls, rugs and other surfaces.
It may seem logical that third-hand smoke would be less toxic than that of first- or second-hand intake. Surprisingly, third-hand smoke may, in fact, be equally or even more harmful, especially for children.
Though children now learn early on of the hazards of cigarette smoking, it wasn't until the 1950s that scientific reports were taken seriously that there may be a link between cigarette smoking and cancer. It took many more years for evidence to be gathered and documented to support the link between second-hand smoke and illnesses. With further studies, it is becoming evident that the residual elements of cigarette smoke also pose significant health risks. With more than 60 known carcinogens, these invisible toxins are especially risky to children who may crawl on, snuggle with, chew, touch or play on surfaces that are contaminated.
Due to their developing bodies, children and babies are more susceptible to the toxins of tobacco than adults. Children also have a quicker breathing rate than adults, so they may be breathing more of a toxic substance than an adult during a specific time frame of exposure.
Nicotine from cigarette smoke turns into a vapor that is easily absorbed into surfaces, where it can remain for days, weeks or even months. To compound the risks, studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California have revealed, nicotine and related toxins, when mixed with certain other common airborne pollutants in our environment, can significantly increase the levels of carcinogens. The most potent of these carcinogens is tobacco-specific nitrosamines. These toxins can be ingested through the mouth, by touch or by inhalation with contaminated airborne particles such as dust. When contaminated dust particles settle into flooring, especially carpeting, in homes with cigarette smokers, the toxins can accumulate over time to the point that the carpeting can never be adequately cleaned. Children playing and crawling on the floor are potentially exposed to significant levels of carcinogens.
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The well-being of a child is largely dependent upon the adults that care for him or her. Of course, the best solution to keep children away from third-hand smoke in a home is for their caregivers to stop smoking. But at the very least, caregivers should take steps to keep small children away from environments that have residual smoke. Parents or caregivers who are smokers must take extra care to keep smoke and smoke residue out of the house and car, change out of smoky clothing and wash face and hands before touching a child, and be diligent about keeping children away from environments that have been inhabited by smokers.
Perhaps one more rule for parents to have about child safety is overwhelming—or even annoying. The list of concerns around keeping our children safe is certainly longer than a generation ago. However, rules do change. Statistics and developments in health and science can be useful tools to help us learn more, ask smarter questions and make better choices as individuals and as parents, and to give our kids just one more way to grow up healthy and safe.
Erin Buell is the community outreach coordinator for St. Luke's Community Health.
