Residual Tobacco Smoke or "Thirdhand Smoke"

By Mark Phoenix posted May 28, 2020

We’ve all heard of “secondhand smoke”.  Yet, in the last five years or so, “thirdhand smoke” has become a serious health consideration.

The American Cancer Society, and other organizations, have educated the public as to the dangers of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke.  Secondhand smoke contains the same harmful chemicals that tobacco smokers inhale, which is known to cause cancer.  Secondhand smoke has more than 7000 chemicals, including 70 that can cause cancer.

Thirdhand smoke contains residual nicotine and other chemicals left behind by tobacco smoke.  These residual chemicals are found on surfaces such as couches, carpet, flooring, walls, ceilings, inside ductwork, even on particles of dust, long after tobacco smoke has stopped, according to the Mayo Clinic.   

Prospective buyers often ask if the current owner of a home for sale has smoked inside the home.  It has become an item of concern of prospective home buyers, from a health and safety point of view.

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no conclusive research which indicates that lingering smoke odors or residual particles from tobacco smoke can cause cancer in people.  However, they do indicate that particles from tobacco smoke can attach to and settle on particles of dust and surfaces which can remain for months.  Carcinogens, which are known to cause lung cancer, have been found on dust samples taken from the homes of tobacco smokers. 

The American Cancer Society states that, while unclear now if tobacco smoke residue can cause cancer, any effects might be smaller compared with the effects of secondhand smoke.  Still, the carcinogenic compounds found on surfaces and dust particles left behind by tobacco smoke might be inhaled or accidentally ingested by babies or small children who play on the floor by placing things in their mouths. 

Point of fact:  According to data provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of people living in the United States who smoke, numbers at approximately 14% in 2017, down from 15.5% in 2016.  This is the lowest point in recorded history. 

Companies who specialize in fire restoration often provide abatement services for thirdhand smoke.   If you are considering placing your home on the market, please click the “Contact Me” button and I’ll be happy to provide you with a trustworthy referral.