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.
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.
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.
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.”
