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Contrary to popular belief that third-hand smoke can be confined to a single room or aired out by opening the car window, increasing research reveals that smoke can coat walls, fabrics, and common household items and persist long after smoking has occurred. The residue lingers on the skin, hair, and clothes of a smoker and persons exposed to second-hand smoke. Often unseen, this residue builds over time, becoming increasingly dangerous and resistant to cleaning efforts.
What can I do to reduce my family’s risk?
Visits to environments that allow smoking can present a health risk. For example, third-hand smoke can contaminate ventilation systems or absorb into curtains and mattresses. Further studies are being conducted to uncover the unique risks associated with third-hand smoke and ways to address them.
Public health experts recommend that parents keep their children out of environments known to have third-hand smoke, such as the home or vehicle of a smoker. The only way to be protected from third-hand smoke is to avoid environments in which smoking has occurred.
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