Did you know that, when people smoke cigarettes, they are not only putting themselves and others at risk for firsthand and secondhand smoke but also increasing the risk of exposure to another, equally nasty contender? Originally created by doctors working at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, the term “thirdhand smoke” (also called THS) doesn’t refer to smoke at all but, in fact, refers to a film of toxic residue that is left behind by cigarette smoke. Once firsthand and secondhand clouds have cleared a room, this nasty residue is left behind.
A Bunch of Yellow Gunk
Even if you have never known smokers or have lived with one, you can easily identify one of these people. Have you ever stood in line and noticed someone smelled like car exhaust? Perhaps you entered an apartment and realized the walls were stained with what appeared to be yellowish-gray gunk. In each of these incidences, you caught a glimpse or a whiff of thirdhand smoke, that nasty residue that clings to surfaces long after a person has stopped taking a drag off a cigarette. Ultimately, this film sticks to hair, clothes, furniture, car windows, and much more.
Several Types of Nastiness
Ultimately, three types of thirdhand smoke exist:
- Gas and small particles of gunk that hover in the air.
- Sticky globules that cling to surfaces.
- A reside that mixes with other pollutants to create smog.
Re-releasing Good Old Fumes
So what else could possibly make thirdhand smoke more dangerous? In a deadly twist, several THS toxins stuck on surfaces can re-release gaseous fumes after a period of time, ultimately re-emerging in the air and adding to the danger of a smoker’s environment.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
