Did you know that even smoking away from babies and pregnant women poses a health risk to them? Most people are well aware of the risks associate with smoking and passive smoking. What is less common knowledge is that of a third risk of passive smoking, particularly relevant to young children and pregnant women. This risk is due to the toxins in cigarette smoke lingering on your clothes and hair. Even smoking outside can still be a risk as the toxins can be transferred later, especially to small children who are likely to breathe in close proximity to the smoker.

Professor Winickoff, from Massachusetts General Hospital declares: “The dangers of third-hand smoke are very real – when you smoke – any place – toxic particulate matter from tobacco smoke gets into your hair and clothing.”

A particular problem of third hand smoke is that so few smokers seem to be even aware of the risk. Out of a survey of 1500 households less than half of the smokers knew about it. Traditionally, January is the most popular month in the calendar to give up smoking. If you have or are planning a family this report provides a little extra motivation.

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