Tips to Prevent third Hand Smoke

You may have heard of second hand smoke, but a new danger has emerged. Third hand smoke occurs when the toxins from smoke lingers on items such as furniture, clothing, carpet and curtains. The toxins can remain for days, with dangerous effects. According to Jonathan Winicoff, a pediatrician and researcher studying third hand smoke, people can be exposed to hundreds of toxins that can cause lowered IQ among other problems. Children and infants are especially at risk.
Various strategies can help prevent third hand smoke. Of course, the more smokers who quit, the fewer people will be exposed to these toxins. Other steps can also help.
Limit smoking in public areas
Smoking should be limited in public areas. There should be separate spaces so that nonsmokers do not have to be exposed to the toxins. Some businesses have break rooms in which smoking is allowed at certain times, but this does nothing to prevent third hand smoke. There need to be more areas where smoking does not occur.
Do not smoke in confined areas
You may be best off smoking outside. Although there will still be some exposure because the toxins will come in with you, it will be less. You can stop at least some of the harmful chemicals from getting into the furniture, carpets, and other areas of your home if you do not smoke right there. It is especially important to not smoke in areas where children may be.
Change your clothing after smoking
A lot of third hand smoke exposure may come from the clothing that you wear while you are smoking. Change your clothing as frequently as you can after smoking. Again, this is especially important if you will be handling or holding an infant or young child. Make sure that the discarded clothing stays outside or far away from others.
You also may choose to take a shower or wash your hair after smoking if you will be with a young child.
Change furnishings and carpets of areas where there has been a great deal of smoking
Many companies and places of business were much more liberal with smoking in the past. Even if people no longer smoke there, the toxins may still linger. When there is a high amount of smoking in an area, consider changing out furnishings or other items that may have deeply absorbed the toxins.
Third hand smoke can be extremely dangerous, especially for babies and young children. It is vital to take every precaution possible to avoid this exposure.