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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : March 24, 2014 3:03 PM IST
Scientists have revealed that one compound from 'third-hand smoke,' which forms when second-hand smoke reacts with indoor air, damages DNA and sticks to it in a way that could potentially cause cancer. Bo Hang, Ph.D., who presented the research at the 247th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), said that although the idea of third-hand smoke made its debut in research circles just a few years ago in 2009, evidence already strongly suggests it could threaten human health. 'The best argument for instituting a ban on smoking indoors is actually third-hand smoke,' Hang, a scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) said. (Read: Thirdhand smoke can cause genetic damage!)
Researchers have found that many of the more than 4,000 compounds in second-hand smoke, which wafts through the air as a cigarette is smoked, can linger indoors long after a cigarette is stubbed out. Based on studies led by Hugo Destaillats, Ph.D., also at LBNL, these substances can go on to react with indoor pollutants such as ozone and nitrous acid, creating brand-new compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic. (Read: Third-hand smoke just as bad as smoking or second-hand smoke)
What is third-hand smoke?
You may have heard of first-hand smoke and second-hand smoke, but there's such a thing called as third-hand smoke too. Leftover cigarette smoke that clings on to walls, furniture and toys can be referred to as third-hand smoke. Such 'third-hand smoke' may damage DNA and cause cancer, says a study. Research suggests that 'third-hand smoke' could pose a far more serious threat, especially to young children who put toys and other smoke-affected items into their mouths. Scientists reported that one of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines newly formed in 'third-hand smoke' damages DNA and could potentially cause cancer. (Read: What is third hand smoke?)
With inputs from ANI
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