Thirdhand smoke composition and consequences: A narrative review

Abstract

Cigarette smoking continues to account for morbidity and mortality of millions around the globe. The adverse effects of active and passive smoking are well known and documented in the literature. Thirdhand smoke (THS) refers to the surface contamination produced by the emission of components in secondhand smoke (SHS) and by their products of chemical transformations, and the off-gassing of volatile components into the atmosphere. Because of its long-term detrimental effects on health, this involuntary and unaware intake of tobacco smoke components by those who are exposed to indoor areas, especially children, even in the absence of concurrent smoking, should be well addressed. This review gives an elaborated insight on the composition, sources, exposure and toxicity of THS along with its mitigation measures.

Keywords

• third hand smoke
• environmental tobacco smoke
• second hand smoking
• active smoking
• nicotine