Sticky toxic residue left behind by cigarettes is an invisible threat that can cause health problems for non-smokers and even damage DNA, doctors warn.
While the dangers of passive smoking are widely recognised, unseen thirdhand smoke residue is penetrating homes, cars and workplaces to compromise immunity and respiratory systems ― particularly in children.
Nicotine from smoke interacts with nitrous acid, a common molecule found in the air we breathe, and leaves a trail of three compounds ― two of which are carcinogenic.
The NNK, NNA and NNN compounds form a trio of tobacco-specific nitrosamines and create third-hand smoke that can persist in homes years after a smoker has left.
These toxins can last many months or even years on surfaces, it really depends on how well an area is ventilated – it is a hidden killer
Dr Trilok Chand,
respiratory specialist, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Risk for non-smokers
Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California recently studied the amount of chemicals in the home of a regular smoker.
Results published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found the levels recorded exceeded California’s safety guidelines, and showed potential long-term health risks for non-smokers in homes contaminated with third-hand tobacco smoke.
Dr Ayman Ahmed, critical care specialist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said third-hand smoke was an often overlooked health risk.
"Residual contamination particles can remain on surfaces in any room for some time, and can worsen existing issues like asthma, bronchial problems or anyone who is immunocompromised or with chronic disease,” he said.
“It can remain on our clothes when we leave a smoky place and it can stay in our homes, people are not aware of the health impact of this ― just smoking and passive smoking.
“Carcinogens are cancer-causing long term, this is something we already know and it does not just affect the smoker.
"It is responsible for a specific group of cancers and can be damaging for those at high risk or with allergies.
“Children of smokers are particularly at risk from third -hand smoking.
“They are the most affected because they have low immunity and their respiratory system is not yet well formed.”
Residue on skin and animal fur
Air-conditioning systems in cars and the home can circulate the toxins that become embedded for some time.
Although toxins from cigarettes seem to go up in smoke, they often land on surfaces such as tabletops, bedding, toys, floors, car upholstery, or any other place where a smoker has exhaled.
Residue sticks to the skin of people and their pets, and can be ingested, or gets released into the air to be re-inhaled.
Researchers from the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium at the University of Californian suggested residue can be 50 times higher in the apartment of a former smoker than in a new apartment with active smokers.
A study referenced by the group revealed broken strands in the DNA of lung cells of mice exposed to nicotine on their skin, to illustrate the damage done at a cellular level by cigarette toxins.
The consortium, formed in 2011, recommends several risk-reduction measures for non-smokers.
They include restricting smoking areas in the workplace and at home and removing residue from older smoking hang-outs by deep cleaning surfaces and upholstery.
Ventilation
Because toxins cannot be eliminated by airing out rooms or using air conditioners, specific cleaning methods are needed to sanitise contaminated areas.
“These toxins can last many months or even years on surfaces, it really depends on how well it is ventilated ― it is a hidden killer,” said Dr Trilok Chand, head of respiratory medicine, Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
“Third-hand smoke cannot be seen, so it is often ignored.
“If someone is moving to a new house, it is worth finding out if the previous owner was a smoker to bring in deep cleaning to reduce these kinds of toxins."
Cigarette smoke typically contains more than 4,000 toxic chemicals.
Exposure is most dangerous for babies, children, the elderly, and people with health conditions such as respiratory issues or autoimmune diseases.
"Many of these toxins are cancerous, and that is the main issue ― causing cancer of the lung, mouth or larynx," Dr Chand said.
"Federal law to restrict smoking in the workplace is significant, and it works, but it must be enforced.”
1971: The Year The Music Changed Everything
Director: Asif Kapadia
4/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
MATCH INFO
Azerbaijan 0
Wales 2 (Moore 10', Wilson 34')
Ruwais timeline
1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established
1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants
1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed
1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.
1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex
2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea
2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd
2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens
2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies
2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export
2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.
2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery
2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital
2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13
Source: The National
