Chinese scientists have found that tobacco smoke accumulated in enclosed spaces not only spoils the interior paint but also poses a direct threat to health.
According to its authors, this is the first study to elucidate what tobacco smoke transforms into and how long its derivatives continue to pollute the air.
The researchers point out that third-hand smoke, i.e., the toxic residues of tobacco smoke absorbed by surfaces such as walls, furniture, carpets, and curtains, differs from direct second-hand smoke. While second-hand smoke is inhaled directly from the air, third-hand smoke becomes part of the interior environment itself and continues to dynamically release particles and gases, affecting air quality over time.
Using advanced air monitoring techniques, experts at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were able to track the emission of fine particles and gases from contaminated surfaces. The results showed a fundamental difference between the types of smoke: the particles resulting from second-hand smoke disperse relatively quickly, while third-hand smoke turns into a stable pollutant that remains in the air for long periods after smoking, albeit at a lower concentration. Its chemical composition also gradually changes, increasing its content of nitrogen compounds, indicating the formation of more toxic substances.
The study revealed the impact of interior finishing materials on the persistence of pollution, where porous materials, such as wool carpets and fabric upholstery, act as deep reservoirs that absorb and then slowly release the chemical substances back into the air. This process leads to the failure of ventilation systems to remove pollution, allowing residual smoke to accumulate inside the room for hours and even days after smoking a single cigarette.
The study results were published in the journal "Building and Environment"
