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.
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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.
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Can you test for thirdhand smoke?
Until a more sensitive test is available, only research labs can effectively detect thirdhand smoke.
Do electronic cigarettes create thirdhand chemical residue?
Whether you’re renewing your apartment lease or searching for a new one, avoid thirdhand smoke and rent a smokefree property.
What questions should I ask before signing my next apartment lease?
Whether you’re renewing your apartment lease or searching for a new one, avoid thirdhand smoke and rent a smokefree property.
What are the advantages of making my rental properties smokefree?
Save lives and money by making your rental property smokefree.
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.
How can I protect my child from thirdhand smoke in cars?
Young children need to be protected from thirdhand smoke exposure in all indoor environments – including in cars. Here are some ways to keep your child’s ride smokefree.
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 surfaces does thirdhand smoke stick to?
Thirdhand smoke can cling to various surfaces like furniture, fabrics, and clothing and can remain long after smoking has stopped.
What questions should I ask before signing my next apartment lease?
Whether you’re renewing your apartment lease or searching for a new one, avoid thirdhand smoke and rent a smokefree property.
Smoke That Lingers: How Wildfires and Tobacco Leave Behind Hidden Threats
Residue from wildfires and thirdhand tobacco smoke share a hidden danger — even after active smoke vanishes, the toxic remnants can still threaten health.
What should I ask before buying a home to avoid purchasing a thirdhand smoke polluted house?
To buy a house free of thirdhand smoke pollution, make sure no previous residents smoked in the home.
How can I make sure a hotel or vacation rental is smokefree?
These tips can help you have a healthy stay and your next hotel or rental.
Can you test for thirdhand smoke?
Until a more sensitive test is available, only research labs can effectively detect thirdhand smoke.
Does thirdhand smoke decrease my home’s value?
Thirdhand smoke can decrease the value of a home by as much as 30%.
How does thirdhand smoke exposure impact non-smoking workers’ performance and mental health?
Read here what Dr. Kosuke Kiyohara and fellow researchers at Otsuma Women’s University in Japan found in their recent study.
What policies protect me from thirdhand smoke in my workplace?
There are laws that protect against secondhand smoke in the workplace, but there are currently no policies protecting employees from thirdhand smoke.
Congrats to These Graduates Who Researched Thirdhand Smoke
Thank you for your contributions to thirdhand smoke science!
What should I ask before renting a car?
Thirdhand smoke residue contains toxic chemicals that can stick to seats, carpets, vents, and other surfaces in a car. Breathe easier in your next smokefree ride with these tips!
