from American Chemical Society Annual Conference
The idea of third-hand tobacco smoke has only been around for a few years, but evidence already suggests it could threaten health. A group of scientists spoke to the American Chemical Society’s Annual Meeting recently. They say that many of the more than four thousand compounds in second-hand smoke can linger indoors long after the cigarette has been put out and may be a key argument for banning smoking indoors. That leftover cigarette smoke which clings to walls and furniture may much more than a smelly nuisance. The residue could be a health threat especially for young children who put toys and other smoke-affected items into their mouths. Scientists admit making a scientific connection between third-hand smoke and cancer could take a long time, but early research is compelling enough to make it a priority.