Has anyone ever thought that third-hand-smoke, caused by left over cigarette smoke sticking to things like furniture and clothing, could greatly effect someone in a negative way? By reading this article, I discovered scientists' studies on how third-hand-smoke can damage DNA and potentially cause cancer, especially in young people.
Bo Hang, a scientist and presenter of the research, stated that "although the idea of third-hand-smoke made its debut in research circles just a few years ago in 2009, evidence already strongly suggests it could threaten human health." When a smoker lights a cigarette, the smoke fills the area and lingers there, even after the cigarette is butted out. Also, the smoke reacts with environmental components like the ozone and nitrous acid, which may go on to become carcinogenic. The compounds created by the lingering smoke can lock onto DNA to form a bulky adduct (a piece of DNA bound to a cancer-causing chemical), as well as other adducts. Some large compounds cause genetic mutations. This all leads to bigger DNA damage that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancer cells. Because babies and toddlers crawl around and put toys in their mouths, they can touch and swallow compounds created by third-hand-smoke. In conclusion, smoking results in large public health issues and, unfortunately, risks the lives of a great number of humans.
NOS THEMES:
- Science is based on evidence.
- Science is subject to debate and tentative.
- Role of credibility.
- Role of motivation and curiosity.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140316203156.htm
Post by: Emily Thrune
This was a very interesting and well written article. I never knew that third hand smoke could be so damaging. I hope parents who smoke will be more cautious and careful around their kids. Luckily we live in a state where people cannot smoke in public places.
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ReplyDeleteThird hand smoking is very dangerous! A study has shown that the nicotine residue reacts with nitrous acid and forms TSNAs. TSNAs are one of the most broadly acting carcinogens that are in unburned tobacco and tobacco smoke.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Mayoclinic.com, thirdhand smoke clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces, even long after smoking. Kids and nonsmoking adults are at higher risk of tobacco-related health problems when they breathe, ingest or touch substances containing 3rd hand smokes. Creating a smoke-free environment is the only way to protect nonsmokers from the risks. Everyone must be cautious about their environment. Smoking affects one's family, neighbors, community, nation, in-fact the whole world.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/third-hand-smoke/faq-20057791
DeleteThis article was really interesting. Everybody hears about how terrible second hand smoke is, and how detrimental it is to your health, but no one ever talks about third hand smoke and how terrible that can be. The ignorance of the problem is what makes it even more dangerous, but it is good to see that people are becoming more aware of the issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that this article is very interesting. I never even knew that there was a such thing as third hand smoke. It sounds very serious considering most of the population is ignorant to this topic. It could be a leading factor to cancers if people decide to smoke inside or around furniture that people sit on and around, especially young children. If a person has the common courtesy to go somewhere else to smoke while children are present, they may not know that if the child goes around the furniture, they could be inhaling cigarette residue left on the furniture.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading your post, I had no idea third-hand-smoking even existed. I found it quite interesting how easily it can affect people. It is astonishing how it complicated it is, such as the DNA mutations leading to cancer that you mentioned. It is also interesting how babies and toddlers can swallow and touch compounds created by third-hand-smoke just by playing with their toys. You described all of this very well, and it was easy to understand.
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