‘Third-Hand’ smoke causes chronicle damage to human DNA

Toxic residues are left behind on surfaces, furniture and fabrics after smoking - and can cling to them even after washing. This third-hand smoke causes significant damage to DNA cells and becomes more harmful over time. Photo: Mail Online

New research has claimed for the first time ever that third-hand smoke from cigarettes causes significant genetic damage to human cells.

Third-hand smoke is 'noxious residue' produced by cigarette smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces after second-hand smoke has disappeared.

The study from the Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California also found that this toxic residue becomes more harmful over time.

Co-author Lara Gundel said: 'This is the very first study to find that third-hand smoke is mutagenic.

'Some of the chemical compounds in third-hand smoke are among the most potent carcinogens there are.

'They stay on surfaces and when those surfaces are clothing or carpets, the danger to children is especially serious.'

The researchers used a variety of tests to establish if third-hand smoke breaks down DNA strands and leads to long-lasting DNA damage and gene mutation.

'Until this study, the toxicity of third-hand smoke has not been well understood,' continued Gundel.

'Third-hand smoke has a smaller quantity of chemicals than second-hand smoke, so it’s good to have experimental evidence to confirm its geno-toxicity.'

WHAT IS THIRD HAND SMOKING?

Third-hand smoke is created by tobacco smoke that lingers after a cigarette has been put out.

It's called 'third-hand' because it is created once second-hand smoke has disappeared.
Third-hand smoke can stick to almost all surfaces but especially clings to fabrics.

People can be exposed to third-hand smoke particles through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

Third-hand smoke is thought to be particularly dangerous to young children because they are more likely to crawl on the floor and eat from their hands without washing them first - ingesting the toxins into their systems.