GREENSBORO, N.C. — What's on your hands? We all know, even if they look clean, chances are there are all kinds of germs and things on them. Would you guess there was nicotine on your hands, especially if you don't smoke?
A recent study found 95% of the kids in this research pool, even those who live in smoke-free homes, carry detectable levels of nicotine on their hands. The study and findings are on the Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center’s website. The study was done by Cincinnati Children's Hospital and San Diego State University.
Dr. Melinda Mahabee-Gittens, a professor of pediatrics, explains some of the health effects in a webinar on the site.
“We found higher hand nicotine with chief complaints of cough and congestion compared to kids who did not have those complaints. We also found a higher diagnosis of asthma or bronchitis with high hand nicotine levels,” Mahabee-Gittens said.
How do the kids get nicotine on their hands? According to Thirdhand Smoke Resource:
Firsthand smoke is inhaled by a smoker.
Secondhand is exhaled by a smoker or released from the burning end of the cigarette.
Thirdhand is a toxic residue that sticks to surfaces and dust after the smoke clears.
“Smokers need to know that toxins can remain in drywall, insulation, and other building materials, and smoking in a different room, using a fan, or smoking in front of an open window does not prevent this,” Mahabee-Gittens said.
One of the other researchers said folks really need to re-think smoking in their cars, with or without their kids being in them.