Yesterday’s New York Times article on third-hand smoke highlights yet another danger of smoking: “the invisible yet toxic brew of gases and particles clinging to smokers’ hair and clothing…that lingers long after smoke has cleared from a room…[which] includes heavy metals, carcinogens and even radioactive materials.” So that’s what that stale smell is!

Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children came up with the term “third-hand smoke” in their study that examined the attitude toward smoking in households across the United States. Most people understand the health risks of second-hand smoke, but few know the risks of third-hand smoke.  The study specifically points out the danger to infants and children, but I’m pretty sure it can’t be good for adults.

I have lots of friends who smoke and I’m usually not bothered by it.  But when I read something like this, I can’t help but think about my exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke and wonder if it’s having an adverse effect on my health.  If I’m getting all the bad stuff by hanging out with smokers anyways, what’s the point in not smoking?  I believe in an individual’s freedom to choose to smoke, but when you’re affecting those you live with and around, does it become more than that?  Just another thing to be aware of and think about, I guess.