Thirdhand Smoke Research Articles

Potential health risk of human exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines in second-hand and third-hand smoke

Potential health risk of human exposure to tobacco-specific nitrosamines in second-hand and third-hand smoke

Perceived Health Concerns of Child Thirdhand Smoke Exposure and Potential Remediation Strategies Among Nonsmoking Parents of Young Children

Perceived Health Concerns of Child Thirdhand Smoke Exposure and Potential Remediation Strategies Among Nonsmoking Parents of Young Children

Long-term exposure to third-hand smoke could accelerate biological aging via mitochondrial dysfunction: Evidence from population and animal studies

The relationship between third-hand smoke (THS) exposure and lifespan remains inadequately explored. Our study sought to clarify the effects of THS on aging and lifespan. In this pursuit, our cross-sectional analysis assessed hematological aging markers in 986 non-smokers and examined lifespan alterations using a Drosophila model. THS exposure levels were quantified through survey metrics consistent with the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. The findings revealed that THS exposure significantly accelerated biological aging, with exposed individuals exhibiting an average increase in biological age of 3.04 years compared to their unexposed counterparts (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, the Drosophila model reflected these outcomes, showing a reduction in lifespan by 16.07 days (p < 0.01). Proteomic analyses identified MRPL2 as a pivotal protein in THS-induced aging, linking its expression to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Further metabolomic profiling highlighted disruptions in energy metabolism pathways. Follow-up in vitro experiments confirmed the role of MRPL2 in the aging processes at the cellular level. Overall, our results indicate that THS exposure is a significant accelerant of aging, providing new perspectives on the health consequences of environmental smoke residues.

Tobacco use, secondhand exposure and knowledge of secondhand and third-hand smoke among medical college students in Western Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence of tobacco use, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and knowledge about SHS and third-hand smoke (THS) exposure among students in a medical college...

Thirdhand Smoke Exposure Ignored by Pediatricians: A Cross-sectional Study.

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is defined as the harmful substances in cigarette smoke that are absorbed into objects, people, and surfaces after smoking. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of pediatricians working in a tertiary healthcare institution about THS exposure. In this cross-sectional study, participants were asked to fill out an information form in which we questioned the participant's age, sex, occupation in the institution, the exposure of pediatric patients to cigarette smoke during daily healthcare, tobacco product use status, smoking status in their home and car, behavior in case of smoking in closed areas where smoking is prohibited, and whether they knew the term of THS. Also, the Turkish version of The Beliefs About Third-Hand Smoke was used. Eighty-one participants, with a mean age of 34.2 ± 7.6 years, were included in the study. Fifty-six (69.1%) participants said they had never used tobacco products. Participants who had never used tobacco products (P = .005), never allowed smoking in their homes (P = .017) and cars (P = .001), had heard the definition of THS before (P = .013), and thought they knew it (P = .005) had higher total scale scores. There was no significant difference between the THS awareness levels of pediatricians who questioned children's exposure to cigarette smoke in their daily practice and those who did not (P = .491). Determining the awareness levels of pediatricians about THS will be an important step in preventing THS exposure in children.

Thirdhand smoke exposure promotes gastric tumor development in mouse and human

The pollution of indoor environments and the consequent health risks associated with thirdhand smoke (THS) are increasingly recognized in recent years. However, the carcinogenic potential of THS and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term THS exposure on the development of gastric cancer (GC) in vitro and in vivo. In a mouse model of spontaneous GC, CC036, we observed a significant increase in gastric tumor incidence and a decrease in tumor-free survival upon THS exposure as compared to control. RNA sequencing of primary gastric epithelial cells derived from CC036 mice showed that THS exposure increased expression of genes related to the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal protein structure. We then identified a THS exposure-induced 91-gene expression signature in CC036 and a homologous 84-gene signature in human GC patients that predicted the prognosis, with secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) emerging as potential targets through which THS may promote gastric carcinogenesis. We also treated human GC cell lines in vitro with media containing various concentrations of THS, which, in some exposure dose range, significantly increased their proliferation, invasion, and migration. We showed that THS exposure could activate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway at the transcript and protein level. We conclude that short-term exposure to THS is associated with an increased risk of GC and that activation of the EMT program could be one potential mechanism. Increased understanding of the cancer risk associated with THS exposure will help identify new preventive and therapeutic strategies for tobacco-related disease as well as provide scientific evidence and rationale for policy decisions related to THS pollution control to protect vulnerable subpopulations such as children.

Phase distribution and probabilistic risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor air of coffee shops at Zahedan, Iran

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of hydrocarbons, some of which are established human carcinogens. Human exposure to these chemicals is complex and originates from both indoor and outdoor sources. This study measured the concentration of PAHs in the gaseous and particulate phases during the cold months of 2022 using XAD-2 sorbent tubes and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters in the indoor air of coffee shops in Zahedan, Iran (n = 23). The average concentrations of particulate-bound PAHs and gaseous PAHs were 13,411.86 ± 6517.24 ng/m³ and 6432.76 ± 4311.72 ng/m³, respectively. Source apportionment analyses indicated that the primary sources of PAHs in coffee shops were fossil fuel combustion and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), commonly referred to as second and third-hand smoke. The lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) of inhaled PAHs was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. The mean LTCR for adults and children from inhaling these substances were 9.43 × 10-6 ± 5.06 × 10-6 and 5.34 × 10-6 ± 2.87 × 10-6, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) of PAHs exceeded 1. These findings highlight the need to reduce PAHs exposure in public spaces through proper health warning labels and regulated indoor smoking policies.

Determination of pregnant women’s exposure to thirdhand smoke, beliefs and affecting factors: a cross-sectional study from Turkey

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine pregnant women’s exposure to third-hand smoke, beliefs and influencing factors. The study included 400 pregnant women in a tertiary care obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using personal information form, Beliefs About Third-Hand Smoke Scale (BATHS-T) and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. 13.5% of the pregnant women smoked during pregnancy. However, 78.8% of the pregnant women were exposed to cigarette smoke at home. The mean score of BATHS-T scale and sub-scales increased in those whose spouses had university education or higher, and in pregnant women and their spouses who were public employees. The mean scores of BATHS-T scale and sub-scales were higher in pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy and in pregnant women with higher income levels. Community-based awareness of the effects of first, second and third-hand exposure to cigarette smoke on maternal and fetal health should be increased.

First, second and third-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy - Τhe adverse effects on the fetus: A Systematic Review

First, second and third-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy - Τhe adverse effects on the fetus: A Systematic Review

Prevalence of Second-hand and Third-hand Smoke Exposure among the Medical and Dental Students

Prevalence of Second-hand and Third-hand Smoke Exposure among the Medical and Dental Students

The Turkish Adaptation, Validity And Reliability Study Of The Beliefs About Thirdhand Smoke Scale

Amaç: Üçüncü el sigara dumanı, önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Bu çalışmanın amacı Haardörfer ve arkadaşlarının geliştirdiği “Beliefs About ThirdHand Smoke’’ ölçeğini Türkçe’ye uyarlamak, geçerlilik ve güvenirliğini incelemektir. Yöntem: Metodolojik çalışma, 01.05-29.6.2021’de Ankara’da yürütüldü. Öncelikle “Beliefs About Third Hand Smoke’’ ölçeğinin Türkçe versiyonu “Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’ elde edildi, geçerlilik ve güvenirlik analizleri uygulandı: Kapsam geçerliğinde uzman görüşüne başvuruldu; yapısal geçerlikte doğrulayıcı faktör analizi; iç tutarlılık ve sınıf içi korelasyon uygulandı. Keçiören Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi polikliniklerine başvuran, Türkçe bilen, iletişim kurabilen, sigara kullanan veya sigara kullanan en az bir kişiyle yaşayan, gönüllü 256 erişkine “sosyodemografik özellikler formu” ve “Beliefs About ThirdHand Smoke’’ ölçeğinin Türkçe versiyonu ‘‘Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’ yüz yüze uygulandı. Veri analizinde IBM SPSS 24,0 ve AMOS 21 kullanıldı. Bulgular: “Beliefs About ThirdHand Smoke’’ ölçeğinin Türkçe uyarlaması “Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’, 9 madde, 2 faktörlüdür. “Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’nin tüm maddelerinin kapsam geçerlik indeksi ≥0,80; uzmanlar arasında uyum bulunmaktadır. Cronbach alfa değerleri genel/faktörler sırasıyla 0,910/0,849,0,835; ölçek yüksek, faktörler kabul edilebilir düzeyde güvenilirdir. Madde toplam korelasyonu 0,580-0,794; her madde kabul edilebilir derecede ayırt edicidir, ölçekte kalmalıdır. Sınıf içi korelasyonda, maddeler arası korelasyon matrisi r değerleri 0,376 -0,771’dir; maddeler orta düzeyde ilişkili, iç tutarlıdır. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizinde, uyum indeksleri CMIN/df=3,1, RMSEA=0,091, RMR=0,054, GFI=0,946, AGFI=0,889, NFI=0,953 ve CFI=0,967’dir; ölçeğin veriye iyi uyumu ve iki faktörlü yapısı doğrulanmıştır. Sonuç: Haardörfer ve arkadaşlarının 2017’de geliştirdiği “Beliefs About ThirdHand Smoke’’ ölçeğinin Türkçe uyarlaması “Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’, güvenilir ve geçerli bir ölçüm aracıdır. “Üçüncü El Sigara Dumanı ile İlgili İnanışlar Ölçeği’’, çalışma ve eğitimlerde uygulanabilir, üçüncü el sigara dumanı farkındalığını artırabilir, tütünle mücadeleye yön verebilir.

The Invisible Danger: Third-hand Smoke and Families’ Knowledge Levels

Objective: The objective of this study was to idenitfy the knowledge levels of families regarding third-hand smoke (THS), which represents the most significant health risk currently, and to raise awareness of the subject. Material and Methods: The ’Beliefs About Third-hand Smoke’ (BATHS) scale was applied to 1016 caregivers. The BATHS scale and sub-factor scale results were compared in terms of participant-related variables such as smoking behaviors, THS awareness and beliefs, and sociodemographic findings. Results: Awareness of the term THS was very low (8.7%). Statistically significantly low smoking habits and high BATHS scale scores were determined among participants who owned their own homes, those with higher levels of education and income, and in non-parent relatives (p

Determining the prevalence of people's knowledge that third-hand smoke is harmful to health: A meta-analysis study.

Although the health effects of first-hand smoke and second-hand smoke are well known, third-hand smoke (THS) is a relatively new concept. We estimated the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful to health, including for some subgroups, in a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO Host, ProQuest, and YOKTEZ databases for the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful to health using specified search words. A total of 12 publications (n=8549 people) were included in the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used for meta-analysis, and Cochran's Q test and I2 values were used to determine heterogeneity. Subgroup analyzes and meta-regression were also performed. The prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful was 80.1%. The prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for children was 82%, and the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for adults was 70.4%. For health professionals, the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for children was 89.8%, the highest prevalence value calculated in this meta-analysis. Cochran's Q test and I2 values indicated that the included studies were heterogeneous. In this meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful was 80.1%, but large variations were found between samples.

Sex-Dependent Occlusive Cardiovascular Disease Effects of Short-Term Thirdhand Smoke Exposure.

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is associated with many public health and disease concerns, such as respiratory illness, cancer, lipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have previously shown that a moderate to long-term exposure to THS increases the risk of thrombosis. However, whether short-term exposure to THS would produce any effects remains to be discovered. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of 1-month THS exposure on platelet function, in vivo and in vitro, and on cytokine response, in a sex-dependent manner. Secondhand smoke or clean air (CA) exposed upholstery materials for 1 week were kept in cages housed with 5-6 mice, and the procedure was repeated for 4 weeks. These THS-exposed mice were evaluated for thrombogenesis and platelet function assays. In addition, cytokines expression was evaluated from pooled serum. Compared to the CA group, THS exposure significantly shortened the tail bleeding time and carotid artery thrombus formation. Moreover, the female mice appeared more sensitive to THS exposure than males. Furthermore, platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, and P-selectin activation markers were significantly elevated due to THS exposure. In addition, high-throughput screening showed at least 30 cytokines differentially modulated by THS in females relative to 26 in male mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 1 month of THS exposure represents a high health risk, in part, by triggering a prothrombotic phenotype that appears to be more significant in females, who are at a much higher risk for occlusive CVD. Additionally, changes in cytokine levels mediate some of the THS-induced occlusive effects. This study revealed that THS exposure for 1 month is detrimental to the cardiovascular health of both sexes; however, females could be more aggressively affected than males. In addition, interleukins and chemokines could be critical factors for initiating prothrombotic activity due to THS exposure.

Intentions to Use Cannabis Postpartum: A Qualitative Study of Pregnant Individuals Who Used Cannabis During Early Pregnancy.

Objective: To examine plans for postpartum cannabis use among pregnant individuals who used cannabis during early pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Eighteen virtual focus groups were conducted from November 17, 2021, to December 17, 2021, with 23 Black and 30 White pregnant adults in Kaiser Permanente Northern California, who self-reported prenatal cannabis use during early pregnancy. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The sample (N = 53) had a mean age of 30.3 years (standard deviation = 5.2) at recruitment; 70% reported daily, 25% weekly, and 6% ≤ monthly cannabis use at entrance to prenatal care. Some participants viewed cannabis as critical for coping with postpartum mental and physical health challenges, while others questioned whether cannabis use would fit with their parental lifestyle, and some planned to abstain altogether. Most planned to use cannabis postpartum, but with lower frequency than before pregnancy, and in ways consistent with harm reduction (e.g., smoking outside to avoid secondhand or thirdhand smoke exposure). Many were motivated to abstain from cannabis while breastfeeding, and some desired more data on the safety of cannabis and breastfeeding, or intended to "pump and dump," believing it would reduce potential transfer of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to their infant. Responses from Black and White participants were generally similar, but White participants were more likely to report plans to use cannabis while breastfeeding and to want information about cannabis and breastfeeding. Conclusions: Pregnant individuals with prenatal cannabis use had varied plans for cannabis use postpartum. Many were motivated to abstain or use cannabis less frequently than pre-pregnancy, especially during lactation.

Thirdhand Smoke Exacerbated H2O2-Driven Airway Responses in A549 Cells

Thirdhand Smoke Exacerbated H2O2-Driven Airway Responses in A549 Cells

The association between passive smoking and sleep quality in a Chinese hypertensive population: A cross-sectional study.

This study evaluates the association between passive smoking, specifically secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure, and sleep quality in a hypertensive population. We enrolled 1427 eligible hypertensive patients from a 2022 national cross-sectional survey in China. Data on tobacco smoke exposure and sleep were collected via questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression and linear regression were employed to assess the relationship between passive smoking and sleep quality characteristics, as well as the correlation between passive smoking exposure characteristics and sleep quality. Among 589 hypertensive patients with no tobacco smoke exposure, 679 exposed to SHS, and 159 exposed to THS, SHS exposure was associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors (β=0.10; 95% CI: 0.32-0.95). No significant relationship was observed between THS exposure and sleep quality. SHS exposure was associated with various sleep quality characteristics, including shorter sleep duration (AOR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.06-2.76) and increased frequency of 1-2 sleep disturbances per week (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.26). Individuals exposed to SHS were more likely to experience poorer subjective sleep quality (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-2.21) and have sleep efficiency <65% (AOR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.22-2.71). Exposure to passive smoking at home, in the community, in public places, exposure to passive smoking with family and friends, and increased frequency of exposure, were all associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality. Our study suggests that SHS exposure in hypertensive populations is associated with poor sleep quality and various characteristics of sleep quality. No significant association was found between THS exposure and sleep quality. These findings underscore the need to enhance tobacco control efforts in China, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases, to safeguard public health.

Dermal thirdhand smoke exposure induced epidermal alterations in human keratinocyte cells through oxidative damage and MMP-1 expression.

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the residual cigarette smoke that settles on indoor surface fabrics, dust and can accumulate in the environment. Therefore, it can be a risk factor for individuals who have frequent dermal contact with THS-contaminated surfaces. In the present study, it was aimed to elucidate the toxicity of dermal THS exposure in HaCaT human keratinocytes. The THS was extracted from terrycloth exposed to 3R4F research cigarette smoke in a closed chamber and the adverse outcomes induced by THS were determined through assessment of cytotoxicity tests (MTT and NRU), intracellular GSH level, total SOD activity, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and IL-6 levels. The wound healing capacity of THS-exposed keratinocytes was evaluated via scratch assay. A potent antioxidant isothiocyanate compound, sulforaphane (SFN), was used as a negative control. THS was dose-dependently cytotoxic (12.5%-100%, v/v) to the HaCaT cells through mitochondrial cell dysfunction (p < 0.01), which was ameliorated by SFN (0.62 μM) pre-treatment. In parallel, THS exposure significantly decreased the intracellular GSH deposits and T-SOD activity in keratinocytes. Collagen degradation through elevated MMP-1 expression was observed in THS-exposed cells in parallel with the delay of wound healing and increased pro-inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The findings are expected to raise awareness about THS as an environmental pollutant for skin, particularly in the highest-ranked countries in cigarette consumption. To conclude, these results might contribute to the studies on the importance of dermal exposure to THS in the pathogenesis of epidermal alterations and the other skin diseases.

Temporal changes in thirdhand cigarette smoke film composition and oxidation of co-existing surface film chemicals

Thirdhand smoke (THS) residues induce oxidation on indoor surfaces, with autoxidation continuing for weeks after deposition.

Forensic Analysis of Lung Cancer from Secondhand Smoke Exposure of a Motel Worker

Background: In July 2018, Ms. PJM, a 50-year-old lifelong nonsmoker, was diagnosed with primary Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with secondary metastasis to the brain, after being hospitalized for a fall in the motel where she worked, in Los Angeles, California. She had been employed as a maid cleaning rooms in this motel for 20 years, where she was exposed to secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke daily. Her death certificate, dated June 2021, declared metastatic lung cancer to be the cause of her death at age 53. Occupational disability and death claims filed by her attorney were contested by her employer. Aims: To conduct a forensic analysis using mathematical modeling to quantify Ms. PJM’s toxic secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposures, in order to estimate her risk of lung cancer from exposure to tobacco combustion products and other potential carcinogenic agents to which she might have been exposed. Methods: A quantitative analysis employing assessment of Hazard, Exposure, Dose, Dose-Response, and Risk plus a Discussion of Uncertainty. It is routinely used by U.S. federal regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Results: Ms. PJM’s modeled exposure to fine particulate matter from secondhand smoke ranged from the Hazardous to Significant Harm Levels of the EPA Air Quality Index for fine particles (PM2.5). Her modeled dose of serum cotinine ranged from the 90th to beyond the 95th percentile of nonsmokers’ dose, measured in a statistical sample of the U.S. nonsmoking population. Her estimated risk exceeds OSHA’s Significant Risk of Material Impairment of Health Level by a factor of three. She is estimated to have been exposed to the thirdhand smoke of at least 1.4 million cigarettes outgassing from room surfaces during her 20 years of labor. As for potential confounders, there were no known carcinogens in any of the cleaning agents she used; there is no evidence that she was exposed to asbestos, and she resided in a low-radon area of Los Angeles. Conclusions: As a result of her occupational exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, Ms. PJM lost an estimated 33 years of life expectancy. The State of California has been remiss in failing to extend its workplace smoking ban to hotels and motels, leaving their workstaff at grave risk of the manifold diseases of passive smoking.