Scientists know that thirdhand smoke exposure can harm lung, skin, and reproductive cells. Dr. Rengin Reis and her team at Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University in Istanbul, Turkey, found that oxidative stress coupled with thirdhand smoke exposure can make the damage worse.
The National Cancer Institute defines oxidative stress as a condition that may occur when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them. Oxidative stress is caused, among other things, by environmental pollution, radiation, and some foods. Over time, oxidative stress leads to cell and tissue damage, which can lead to health issues like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Rengin Reis and colleagues exposed human cells to thirdhand smoke. They found that when these cells also experience oxidative stress, they become more damaged and inflamed than cells that were not.
This study suggests thirdhand smoke exposure combined with oxidative stress worsens cell damage. However, you can protect cells that are under oxidative stress from further damage by avoiding thirdhand smoke. Protect yourself and others by not smoking or vaping, asking others to quit, and avoiding places where smoking or vaping occurs.
Click here to read the study.
