Health risks given by ‘third hand’ tobacco smoke
Research led by the University of York highlights potential cancer risks in non-smokers, particularly children, of tobacco smoke and particles deposited on surfaces and in at home. These risks, known as ‘3rd hand tobacco smoke’ have been highly uncertain and so not considered in public policy.
A new study published in Environment International, estimates for the first time the potential cancer risk by age group through non dietary ingestion and dermal exposure to third hand smoke. The results indicate potentially severe long term consequences, particularly to children.
Research was conducted by
- York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories,
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and
- Chromatography and Environmental Applications research group at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain.
The study, supported by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the General Research Directorate of the Government of Catalonia, also demonstrates for the first time the widespread presence of tobacco related carcinogens in house dust, even in ‘smoke-free’ environments. …more
