Third-hand smoke

[Hopefloats]

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), found that a common indoor air chemical mixed with residues of tobacco smoke form carcinogens, right in your home.

When residues of tobacco smoke, or third-hand smoke reacts with nitrous acid, it forms carcinogens called tobacco-specific nitrosamines, or TSNA. Nitrous acid is found in most vehicle engines and gas appliances.

TSNAs are among the most potent carcinogens in tobacco smoke according to researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory whom led the study.

Researchers say TSNAs are especially dangerous to infants and toddlers, as children are smaller and can absorb more toxins in proportion to their size.

People are exposed to TSNAs through either inhaling the dust or through contact of skin with carpet or clothes.

Third-hand smoke settles on surfaces such as walls, carpets, furniture, and clothes and can linger for months. It clings to a smoker's skin and clothing as well. So smoking outdoors will not remove the toxic substance. Once the smoker re-enters the home, the residue can be spread throughout.

Airing out a room with a fan and an open window, or turning on the vent in a bathroom while smoking does not eliminate the danger of third-hand smoke either.

In fact the residue may cause your walls to bleed yellow.

Here are a few local resources in Orange County, including in Santa Ana, if you or your loved ones want to quit smoking. For a complete list, visit the Orange County Tobacco Education Coaliton.