Thirdhand Smoke During Pregnancy: Is It a Concern?

You already know that smoking is not good during pregnancy. You probably already work to avoid secondhand smoke when you are pregnant too. Did you know that thirdhand smoke can also pose dangers? Are you familiar with thirdhand smoke? If you aren't, you are not alone. A large majority of people are not familiar with thirdhand smoke.

What is Thirdhand Smoke?

Have you ever stood next to a smoker who was not smoking, but you could smell cigarette smoke on them? Have you ever sat on the couch in the home of a smoker and smelled cigarette smoke, though no one was smoking at that time? What you are smelling is thirdhand smoke. This is the newly formed toxins that adhere to things like clothing, furniture and other surfaces after a person has smoked.

It is believed that this type of smoke could be harmful to those with asthma, even more so than secondhand or firsthand smoke.

The reason many are so concerned about thirdhand smoke for pregnant women is because it cannot be seen and it lingers. Even if you cannot smell it, it may still be there. This can make it almost an invisible toxin.

Thirdhand Smoke and Your Health

Infants are twice as vulnerable to thirdhand smoke when compared to adults. If you are pregnant, you should also avoid a smoker's home because your growing baby's lungs are growing and there is a chance for potential damage to the lungs of a developing baby. Then, when your baby is born, it is important to keep up the practice of keeping him or her out of smoking homes and buildings. If you smoke, quit. Yes, I know this is easier said than done as I have smoked and quit and went back and quit again. It can become a very sick and difficult cycle. My best advice is to talk to a doctor. He or she can help you to get a quitting plan in place. It is important to quit because keep in mind that even if you do not smoke near your baby, that thirdhand smoke will be on your clothing and in your hair, thus still exposing your newborn. If you are pregnant and smoking, you know there are significant risks with this, such as potential for low birth weight and birth defects.

Resources

American Journal of Physiology: Thirdhand Smoke: A New Dimension to the Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Developing Lung