Most people have heard about the dangers of secondhand smoke/vapor, but you may not be familiar with thirdhand smoke/vapor.
Thirdhand smoke/vapor includes the chemicals that remain after someone smokes or vapes in an area. These harmful chemicals stick to surfaces such as counters, carpets, drapes, furniture, toys, clothes, and cars long after someone stops smoking/vaping in that area. Thirdhand smoke/vapor can be especially harmful for babies and young children who tend to put things in their mouths and crawl around the floor, kicking up dust and dangerous chemicals left behind.
Breathe Resources on Thirdhand Smoke
This Breathe video explains what thirdhand smoke/vapor is and how children may be exposed:
Knowledge is key when it comes to understanding thirdhand smoke/vapor and how it affects those around you. This handout provides information on what thirdhand smoke/vapor is and how exposure can be reduced:
Children are affected by those who smoke/vape around them. This handout outlines what can happen when children are exposed to smoke/vapor at a young age:
Even if you do not smoke/vape in your home or car, there are other ways kids could still be exposed to thirdhand smoke. This handout reviews where exposure may happen and how to protect your children:
If you or someone you know wants to reduce the amount of thirdhand smoke/vapor their children are exposed to, this worksheet gives some practical guidance:
Even if you do not use tobacco/vape products, kids may still be exposed to thirdhand smoke/vapor. This worksheet helps you create a plan to protect your children:
Now you are aware of the dangers of thirdhand smoke/vapor! This worksheet offers steps on how to clean your home and car to reduce the harmful chemicals left behind from thirdhand smoke/vapor:
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