Expert warns against risks of 'thirdhand smoke'

A pulmonologist on Monday warned the public that thirdhand smoke may harm people even if they are far from smokers.

At the Department of Health’s school activity for No Smoking Month at the Eusebio High School in Rosario, Pasig, Dr. Ethel Anonuevo said harmful chemicals can be passed when a smoker and another person use the same furniture. 

“So, isa pa yun sa nakakatakot kasi indirectly hindi mo alam, apektado kayo,” Anonuevo said. 

“So sabihan natin yung ating mga kamaganak na para sa inyong kalusugan o ng inyong pet, wag na lang o magbihis, maligo bago pumasok sa bahay,” she added.

(This is scary because you’re indirectly affected without your knowledge. So, tell your family for the sake of your health or your pet, do not smoke, or change their clothes, or take a bath before entering the house.)

The American Lung Association said that thirdhand smoke refers to when “tobacco smoke leaves residual nicotine and other chemicals on indoor surfaces, skin, fur, and furniture, even after the air has cleared.”

Anonuevo explained that nicotine speeds the heartbeat, which causes turbulence. 

During turbulence, the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets collide with each other, resulting in injuries. Once they are injured, they will adhere to the walls of the blood vessels and clog them. 

E-cigarettes cause cancer

Anonuevo also warned the public against using e-cigarettes or vapes as an alternative to smoking since they can cause cancer. 

Citing a study at New York University, Anonuevo said that an experiment showed that a hamster’s lungs became swollen after being exposed to e-cigarette or vape smoke for hours. 

“Nicotine is addictive, but the flavor affects the center for addiction. The more flavor, the more addicting. Flavor is dangerous,” Anonuevo said.  –NB, GMA Integrated News