The US Environmental Health Perspectives Journal reports that third-hand smoke (THS), which is known as the “toxic brew” of residual tobacco smoke could be hazardous to health. This is residual smoke pollutants that linger on room and car surfaces and in dust long after smoke has cleared from a room.
Research has suggested that smoke compounds absorb into surface and them “desorb” back into the air over time.
Previous studies found that smoke condensate painted onto mice caused cancer. A 2010 study showed that THS remained in smoker’s houses even after they had been vacant for two months and fitted with new carpets and paint.
Other studies suggest that by touching contaminated surfaces toxicants can be ingested into the body. Small children may be particularly exposed and more susceptible to toxicants if they crawl over, touch and mouth contaminated surfaces. This can lead to the ingestion of higher doses of toxicants than older children and adults.
Liam Moloney, Personal Injuries Solicitor, said today, “Cleaning staff in hotels could also receive high THS exposure, for example by handling THS-contaminated bedding, as could the spouses of smokers. Litigation is now beginning to appear in the USA in which claimants have sighted these dangers. Employees should not be exposed to third hand smoke and toxicants which are potentially hazardous to their health”.
If you have been affected by any of the above issues or if you have been exposed to third hand smoke and have suffered an injury, please feel free to contact Liam Moloney, Solicitor, Naas, Co. Kildare at 045 898000 or simply log onto our website at www.moloneysolicitors.ie for further information.
