3rd hand smoke dangers

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Story Published: Jan 7, 2009 at 10:32 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2009 at 10:32 PM MST

By Rick Montañez

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IDAHO FALLS - A new study in the journal Pediatrics warns parents of a new danger related to smoking. Its called 3rd hand smoke.

3rd hand smoke is what's left over after all the smoke blows away. The danger is a laundry list, anywhere from hundreds to thousands, of chemicals that linger around.

"3rd hand smoke is the toxic chemicals left over, but you can't see," says Patrice Pratoomratana, Respiratory Therapist at Mountain View Hospital in Idaho Falls.

Pratoomratana says this new warning is mostly to protect children.

"Even in small amounts in babies, it can cause a lower IQ, and they've even linked it to SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome," says Pratoomratana.

The reason its so dangerous, the aftermath of smoking can leave behind traces of arsenic, lead and even cyanide.

"You smell it but you don't see anything, its on the walls, on the floors, on your clothes and your hair," says Pratoomratana.

Its also in your couch, on your rug and if you have things for the kids around like swings and chairs, the particles can latch on there as well.

Rick: "How dangerous is this to first and second hand smoke?"
Pratoomratana: "The first and second hand smoke they know for a fact that it causes cancer. And they're not real sure, they're just starting to do research on it."

Rick: "Have you heard of third hand smoke?"
Carl Wilson: "No, I haven't."
Rick: "Do you have any idea of what it might be?"
Wilson: "No."

The father of two thought second-hand smoke was bad, and now there's this.

"It just keeps on going, it effects more and more people everyday, even if you don't smoke," says Wilson.

If you smoke and have children in the house the best thing to do is to smoke outside, and make sure you wash your hands. Because, if you have smoke residue on them and touch your child's skin, say on the face, well that can transfer the particles. And the same thing goes for your clothes.

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