Thirdhand smoke is a toxic residue that sticks to surfaces and objects. People and pets 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. Exposure is most dangerous for babies, children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
On this page, you will find scientific information and first-hand accounts about preventing human exposure to thirdhand smoke. We also provide communication strategies for talking with others about thirdhand smoke dangers.
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Thirdhand Vape Residue May Disrupt Lung Development at an Early Age
A recent study by Zaman and colleagues at Louisiana State University found that thirdhand vape residue may interfere with lung development at an early age.
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New Study Establishes First Reference Level for Thirdhand Smoke Contamination – Video
These videos were created in collaboration with our community partner, United Women of East Africa Support Team, specifically for Hispanic, Somali, and Pacific Islander communities.
Study finds thirdhand smoke chemical residue on indoor surfaces exceeds cancer risk thresholds
This study finds that thirdhand smoke exposure to VOCs may pose a greater incremental lifetime cancer risk than secondhand smoke exposure, driven by the sustained re-emission of carcinogenic VOCs from surfaces long after active smoking has stopped.
Educational Program Improves Pregnant Women’s Understanding of Thirdhand Smoke Risks
This study shows that an educational program can improve pregnant women’s knowledge, beliefs, and protective behaviors related to thirdhand smoke exposure.
Second and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure Associated with an Increased Risk of Liver Cancer
A recent study by Li and colleagues at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in Chongqing, China, followed over 315,000 people who had never smoked.
New Research on the Health Impacts of Thirdhand Smoke from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
A new review from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory brings together two recent studies on thirdhand smoke, connecting findings on cancer risk and brain health.
What are the advantages of making my rental properties smokefree?
Save lives and money by making your rental property smokefree.
Low-Level Thirdhand Smoke Residue Can Increase Risk for Blood Clotting and Heart Disease
A recent study by Badejo and colleges at Texas A&M University reveals that toxic thirdhand smoke residue can pose serious cardiovascular risks, even to those who never smoke themselves.
If someone smokes outside, do they bring thirdhand smoke indoors with them?
After smoking, people carry thirdhand smoke on their clothes, skin, and hair into homes, buildings, cars, and other enclosed spaces.
Who is most likely to be exposed to thirdhand smoke?
Infants and young children are the most likely to breathe in, swallow, or touch thirdhand smoke chemicals, making them most likely to be exposed to thirdhand smoke.
Thirdhand Smoke Chemical Residue Impacts Anxiety, Memory, and Brain Health in Genetically Diverse Mice
Read an interview with Dr. Hang Chang, the study’s corresponding author, who explains how their findings point to important implications for human health.
How can I protect my child from thirdhand smoke in homes?
Young children are at the greatest risk of thirdhand smoke exposure, but there are ways you can protect them.
Thirdhand Vape Residue Can Increase Risk for Blood Clotting and Heart Disease
A recent study by Umphres and colleagues at Texas A&M University reveals that toxic thirdhand vape residue can pose serious cardiovascular risks, even to those who never vape themselves.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke is a Major Contributor to Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Settled House Dust
Read an interview with Dr. Nicolas Lopez-Galvez, who led a recent study on thirdhand smoke as an underrecognized source of toxic heavy metals in homes.
What role does thirdhand smoke play in causing cancer?
A recent study conducted by thirdhand smoke researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Labs and their colleagues from Nanjing and Shenzhen, China shows that thirdhand smoke may both start and fuel cancer development.
University of Cincinnati Research Links Childhood Trauma, Tobacco Exposure
A University of Cincinnati study finds that children who experience hardship or trauma are more likely to live in homes where they are exposed to tobacco smoke.
Tulane University Study: Thirdhand Smoke May be Hidden Asthma Trigger in Kids
The authors of a recent study at Tulane University suspect that thirdhand smoke exposure may be contributing to worsening children’s asthma symptoms. Read this press release by Tulane University on the study.
Toxic Thirdhand Smoke Residue Reaches Many Children Even in Nonsmoking Homes
More than 90% of all children tested in a recent study showed evidence of tobacco smoke exposure, with highest levels found among Black children and those living in low-income and low-education households.
