Thirdhand Smoke: The Persistent, Toxic, and Costly Legacy of Commercial Tobacco Use (HHS Region 1)

Date: August 21, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM—2:00 PM EST
Join Professor Georg Matt of San Diego State University in learning more about research on thirdhand smoke and policy considerations related to second and thirdhand smoke. This presentation which delves into the historical origins and latest research on thirdhand smoke, shedding light on its emergence as a significant concern in indoor environments. Defined as the lingering chemical residue from commercial tobacco persisting on surfaces, in dust, and embedded in materials, thirdhand smoke undergoes re-emission and re-suspension, forming novel compounds through interactions with oxidants. Furthermore, the presentation reviews findings from laboratory experiments and real-world field studies about the prevalence, persistence, and health risks of thirdhand smoke. Lastly, the presentation examines the differences between secondhand and thirdhand smoke from a policy perspective, emphasizing the necessity of expanding and updating existing policies to effectively address the challenges posed by thirdhand smoke.

Learning Objectives:

• Define what thirdhand smoke is.
• Describe some of the research demonstrating the toxicity, persistence, and prevalence of thirdhand smoke.
• Name policy-relevant differences between secondhand and thirdhand smoke.
• Describe how existing policies need to be updated to protect against exposure to thirdhand smoke

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