Thirdhand Smoke 101

  • 01.  

    Remain
Thirdhand smoke consists of residual tobacco smoke particles that settle on nearby surfaces and remain long after smoke has cleared.

  • 02.  

    Re-emit
Overtime, these particles are re-emitted back into the atmosphere, contaminating our environment and the air we breathe.

  • 03.  

    React
Thirdhand smoke particles can react with other compounds at any time, forming secondary pollutants that increase overall toxicity.
Thirdhand Smoke 101
Remain

Thirdhand smoke consists of residual tobacco smoke particles that settle on nearby surfaces and remain long after smoke has cleared.

Re-emit

Overtime, these particles are re-emitted back into the atmosphere, contaminating our environment and the air we breathe.

React

Thirdhand smoke particles can react with other compounds at any time, forming secondary pollutants that increase overall toxicity.

High risk surfaces
Most vehicle cabins are small, enclosed spaces about 1/10th the size of any room or shared living space. On average, Americans spend between 60-90 minutes in their vehicle(s) daily, risking thirdhand smoke exposure at much higher concentrations than in the home.

Our data suggests that 17% of used vehicles in circulation contain thirdhand smoke at levels considered dangerous to future occupants. The highest concentrations of thirdhand smoke are typically found on a vehicle's seats, headliner, carpet flooring, and A/C vents.
In-cabin air flow

This simulation simply demonstrates in-cabin air flow patterns. Factors like acceleration, temperature, air conditioning settings, and windows being up or down all have an impact on these air flow patterns.

A common conclusion shared by all scenarios is that air and smoke travel up and backwards. This is in large part why our preferred testing site is a vehicle’s headliner, along with the fact that headliners are mostly ignored during professional and non-professional detailing processes.

There is no safe level of exposure to thirdhand smoke.
Lungs

Thirdhand smoke irritates our respiratory system, increasing the risk of inflammation-induced diseases such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Emerging research suggests that exposure is genotoxic and carcinogenic at environmentally relevant doses.

In vitro studies using cultured human lung cancer cells show that thirdhand smoke exposure induces DNA damage and increased lung cancer cell proliferation. RNA sequencing also shows endoplasmic reticulum stress and activated p53 signaling, both hallmarks of cancer.

Scientific Research
Brain

Thirdhand smoke is a neurotoxin. Children who are exposed to second and thirdhand smoke at home have a 50% higher risk of neurological disorders.

A recent study found a significant inverse relationship between cotinine blood levels and math, cognitive reasoning, reading, and language development in young children. It is estimated that over 20 million children are at risk for thirdhand smoke related reading deficiencies in the United States.

Scientific Research
Heart

Preliminary coronary research suggests that thirdhand smoke may be associated with heart disease.

Exposure increases lipid levels, inflammatory cytokine production, and collagen stimulation in animals, all of which potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease. Recent human hematology research links thirdhand smoke exposure to elevated levels of triglycerides and coronary thrombosis, which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Scientific Research
Immune System

The immune system protects us from harmful pathogens in our environment.When our immune system is compromised, we are more vulnerable to infection and illness.

Thirdhand smoke exposure reduces our defensive cell count, making us more vulnerable to infection and illness. Research suggests that exposure lowers levels of white blood cells that are associated with inflammation and allergic reactions. “Children living with 1 to 2 adults who smoke in the home, where SHS and its residues (THS) are abundant, were absent 40% more days from school due to illness than children who did not live with smokers.”

Scientific Research
There is no safe level of exposure to thirdhand smoke.
Lungs

Thirdhand smoke irritates our respiratory system, increasing the risk of inflammation-induced diseases such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Emerging research suggests that exposure is genotoxic and carcinogenic at environmentally relevant doses.

Scientific Research
Brain

Thirdhand smoke is a neurotoxin. Children who are exposed to second and thirdhand smoke at home have a 50% higher risk of neurological disorders.

Scientific Research
Heart

Preliminary coronary research suggests that thirdhand smoke may be associated with heart disease.

Scientific Research
Immune System

The immune system protects us from harmful pathogens in our environment. When our immune system is compromised, we are more vulnerable to infection and illness.

Scientific Research