STALE cigarette smoke clinging to furniture, carpets, walls and children’s toys could cause cancer, new research suggests.
Dubbed “third-hand smoke”, Cancer Council Queensland says it occurs when second-hand smoke that cigarette users breathe out reacts with indoor air and lingers in homes.
Cancer Council Queensland spokeswoman Katie Clift says it is important to promote the threat third-hand smoke has to human health on World No Tobacco Day on Saturday.
“Chemicals from second-hand smoke stick to curtains, dust, clothing, toys and floors – and can remain in a home as third-hand smoke on surfaces for months after active smoking occurs,” she said in a statement.
“Babies and toddlers are at high risk from crawling, putting hands and toys into their mouths and potentially swallowing or inhaling compounds from third-hand smoke.”
Ms Clift said making homes completely smoke-free was the only way for smokers to protect their families, particularly children.
She said the research showed many of the more than 4000 chemicals in second-hand smoke lingered long after cigarettes were put out, sticking to surfaces and damaging human DNA in a way that potentially caused cancer.
The research reinforced the need for the Queensland Government to fast-track new laws creating designated smoke-free public spaces across the state, Ms Clift said.
The Cancer Council Queensland also wants Health Minister Lawrence Springborg to outlaw smoking in cars.