What‘s third-hand smoke or aerosol from vaping? How can I protect myself?
After smoking or vaping, the air clears and toxic chemicals settled on surfaces become a residue known as third-hand smoke or aerosol.
Nicotine and other chemicals have been found on surfaces in homes where people have smoked or vaped. Contact with the residue left behind may cause damage to genetic material in body cells. There can be an increased risk of health problems including asthma and cancer.
Third-hand smoke or aerosol from vaping:
- stays on surfaces after tobacco has been smoked or vaped as a sticky residue
- later it is found in the dust inside homes or buildings where people smoked or vaped
- overtime the residue turns into gases that goes back into the air and is breathed in by people and pets
- residue can build up on many surfaces like walls, furniture, clothing, toys, drapes and carpets
After someone smokes or vapes, third-hand residue and gases may be on their clothes, skin and hair. If someone touches these surfaces or breathes in the particles in the air, they may be exposed to harmful chemicals through their mouth, nose and skin. This can increase risk to your health from these chemicals.
To reduce exposure to third-hand smoke or aerosol from vaping:
- keep your home and vehicle free from smoking and vaping
- replace or clean furniture, walls, carpets, curtains or clothing that has third-hand smoke or aerosol residue. It may help to paint walls or furniture that have third-hand smoke or aerosol residue on their surfaces after they’ve been cleaned.
- cover your clothing, (e.g., wear a jacket) when you smoke or vape outside. Store it away from other clothing when you come inside.
- wash your hands and face to remove residue on your skin. This will help protect those that you hold close or cuddle.
It is best to move all tobacco and vaping product use outside the home and car, and away from air intakes.
For more information go to Smoking and Vaping Exposures.
