Thirdhand smoke is a toxic residue that sticks to surfaces and objects. People come into contact with thirdhand smoke when their skin touches a surface where thirdhand smoke has collected, when they breathe in thirdhand smoke chemicals that are in the air, and when they swallow residue that are on objects that they put in their mouths. Indoor environments where tobacco has been smoked can contain thirdhand smoke that will linger indoors for a long time – months to years.
On this page, you will find scientific information and first-hand accounts about preventing or avoiding exposure to thirdhand smoke pollution in houses, apartments/condos, hotels, and more. You can find communication strategies for interacting with realtors, apartment managers, and hotel staff. You can also read about your right to avoid places with thirdhand smoke pollution.
Download our new Resource Guidelines: Multiunit Housing and Thirdhand Smoke
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Children Exposed to Nicotine Despite Indoor Smoking Bans
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati find indoor smoking bans at home do not protect children from exposure to thirdhand smoke. These findings inform our understanding of indoor smoking bans in public places.
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