Most parents who smoke these days realize the dangers of second-hand smoke. Many parents now take the precaution of taking their smoking habit outdoors, thinking that this solves the problem. They think they can still smoke, perhaps even conceal the fact from their child, and that all danger is avoided simply because they did not actually smoke around their child. But recent studies have disproved this theory, and it is something I have suspected for years. Another serious danger still exists: third-hand smoke.
Third-hand smoke is the invisible residue that clings to the hair and clothing of smokers. Ever notice that when a smoker walks into a room, they still reek of smoke even though they have extinguished the cigarette outside? What they are tracking in with them is a toxic residue that contains all sorts of poisons and chemicals, such as heavy metals and cancer-causing agents known as carcinogens. The highly radioactive material called polonium-210 can even be found in this toxic mess, along with carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, which is used in weapon manufacturing, and butane, used in lighter fluids. A chemical found in paint thinners called toluene can also be found. These are all things we as parents would want to protect our children from, yet could actually be exposing them to.
These gases and particles are invisible and can linger long after the smoke has cleared. If someone smokes in a home, even when children are not present, this residue still lingers, covering surfaces of your home such as carpeting and furniture. So when your child goes to snuggle up on the couch, they are simultaneously being exposed to a variety of toxins. When your baby crawls on the carpet, then sticks their fingers in their mouth, not only are they exposed to these toxins, they may even be ingesting some as well.
Also, smoking in the car is a really bad idea, even with the window cracked and you are by yourself. Your child’s car seat will literally be coated with an invisible layer of toxins. It’s not exactly what I’d want to put an infant or young child in!
I have suffered from severe asthma since the age of 3. On one occasion, when I was in the hospital suffering through one of my worst attacks ever, the nurse taking care of me had just come back from a smoke break. When she approached me, I could literally feel myself getting worse, and I was already at stage four of the attack. The fifth stage of an asthma attack is death. I was only 18 at the time but knew right then that her smoke residue lingering on her hair and clothes had almost cost me my life. Was this nurse even thinking about that? I am almost 100 percent sure it never even occurred to her that she could be jeopardizing the health of the very patient she was trying to help.
The best possible way to avoid all of these complications is to simply not smoke … period. I realize many people are addicted to this habit, but there are now several methods available to help you quit. For the sake of your own health and for those you love, take these into consideration. Parents always want to be the best role models possible for their children, and if mom and dad are not smoking, the chances of the child growing up to be a smoker are far less than if one or both parents smoke. Naturally, most parents discourage their children from smoking, but what kind of example is it setting if you’re telling them not to, while you, yourself, are smoking?
Check out http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/health/research/03smoke.html for more information about third hand smoke and it’s dangers.