JERUSALEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The dangers of smoking are well known, as are the health risks to others exposed to what's become known as "second-hand" smoke. But what about so-called "third-hand " smokers who are subjected to invisible toxic particles that remain long after a cigarette has been put out?
A new study conducted at the Israel Institute of Technology ( ITT) said that third-hand smokers are exposed to greater health hazards than previously believed.
Dr. Yael Dubowski of the school's Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering headed a research team that set out to determine the effects of the toxic remnants from cigarette smoke that settle on clothing, furniture, carpeting and other common items, Israel21C news site reported Monday.
Dubowski set up lab trials that focused on the interactions between nicotine and indoor air on typical surfaces, including wood furniture, cotton and paper, the report said.
The study's findings, published in a recent issue of the American Chemical Society Journal, showed that nicotine, one of hundreds of toxins containing in a cigarette, mingles with indoor air to form a toxic residue on such surfaces.
The researchers said the resulting chemical combination embedded in the solid materials would likely heighten risks of respiratory illnesses, along with other harmful effects among non- smokers.
They noted that infants and young children were particularly vulnerable to third-hand smoke -- a reminder to parents to only smoke outside the house, and consider changing clothes after entering the home.
