Smokers expose non-smokers to second-hand smoke but also to the "more lethal" third-hand smoke, a medical specialist said today.
Dr. Imelda Mateo, a pulmonologist, said third-hand smoke is more dangerous if not euqlly lethal thansecond hand smoke, as the smokers themselves become the carrier of the toxic chemicals which are passed to those who come in contact with them.
"Third-hand smoke is far more damaging since the smoker himself can transfer the nicotine from his body to others," Mateo said at a press briefing by the National Youth Commission's anti-smokingcampaign.
She also said that the third-hand smoke are gases and small particles in cigarette smoke that are deposited on surfaces they come in contact with. These toxic particles can be deposited on the smoker's hair, clothing and even skin and to the surroundings where the cigarette has been put out, she said.
Mateo said babies who crawl on the floor are susceptible to third-hand smoke as the particles accumulate overtime in a certain area.
"It accumulates there overtime...hindi mo maalis kahit anong punas ang gawin mo, it sticks there...kaya maawa kayo sa babies niyo," she said, adding that third-hand smoke is "more carcinogenic."
Mateo said that it is better to inform the people, specifically smokers, about the dangers of the vice rather than tell them to kick the habit.
"Our advocacy is not prevent them from smoking or ban smoking but make them aware of the dangers of smoking..We want them to quit voluntarily and let them be an independent decision maker," she said.
