Second-hand smoke is toxic, but how dangerous is third-hand smoke?
The effects of smoking both before and after pregnancy are associated with an increase in the risk of SIDS. Babies that live with a smoker have a five times greater risk than those that live in non-smoking environments. While second hand smoke has long been a concern to the health of babies and others living in the home, third hand smoke poses potential risks as well, especially for infants.
Third-hand smoke (the toxins that remain after the cigarette is extinguished) is residue from second hand smoke. These toxins get trapped in carpets, on furniture, toys, clothes, skin and hair. Babies can ingest toxins by touching the contaminated surface and putting their hands in their mouth. The chemicals from the trapped smoke also pollute the air and get into the baby’s lungs.
Can you smell that?
Have you ever noticed the smell left behind when someone has smoked and left the room? Or when someone steps outside for a cigarette and returns with a smoky aroma? This is third hand smoke at its finest. Unhealthy toxins have attached themselves to clothes, hair, whatever they can, and will make their way through your home.
Babies are more susceptible to the negative effects of third hand smoke for a multitude of reasons. An immature immune system can easily interpret the components of smoke as a dangerous germ, in turn causing an inflammatory response leading to bronchitis or asthma. Their bodies are small and combined with faster breathing rates, they take in a higher concentration of these harmful chemicals than adults and even older children. The presence of these chemicals can also interfere with the development of the nervous system.
The best strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS and other health-related issues, is to provide a smoke-free environment for a baby.
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