Passive smoking Toxic smoke particles are also found in smoke-free areas

Even a smoke-free environment does not protect against smoke particles

The harmful residues of cigarette smoke can also get into rooms and deposit where they have never smoked before. In one experiment, in a smoke-free room, nearly 30 percent of the tiny particles in the air were associated with cigarette smoke. This leads to various negative health factors that can be triggered by the passive smoking.

Researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia have found in their recent research that smoke particles from cigarette smoke can be found in rooms that have never actually been smoked. Of course, this increases the risk of developing various illnesses through the effects of secondhand smoke. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "Science Advances".

Smoking not only harms the smokers themselves, but passive smoking also damages people in the environment. Particles of cigarette smoke can even get into areas where no one has ever smoked before. (Image: Danny / fotolia.com)

Nearly 30 percent of the particles came from cigarette smoke

In the current investigation, the experts measured the tiny particles in the air that are associated with cigarette smoke. The experiment was conducted in an empty classroom by never smoked before. The researchers were able to determine that about 30 percent of the particles in the air in this room were associated with cigarette smoke. Scientists did not expect to find such a signature of tobacco smoke in a virtually smoke-free environment, says study author Professor Peter DeCarlo of Drexel University.

Negative effects were noted in animal studies

The dangers of passive smoking are generally well documented. But whether exposure to third-party smoke causes the same harm to human health is not yet known, notes Professor DeCarlo. However, animal studies have already shown that third-party exposure to smoke can have a negative impact on health, the expert adds.

How do the particles get into smoke-free rooms??

In non-smoking areas, the harmful particles from the smoke penetrate through ventilation systems and clothing. These particles then settle on walls and furniture. They are very difficult to remove and can emit harmful substances for years, explains Professor DeCarlo.

Is passive smoking harmful?

In the lab tests, investigators used cigarette smoke to confirm that tobacco residues from their source can reach areas where no-one has smoked before. In the past many people were still skeptical about whether passive smoking was dangerous at all. However, extensive studies have clearly shown that passive smoking is bad for the health. Now we are faced with another danger, the third-party smoke, the researchers say. For some people, such as those with asthma, third-party smoke is particularly dangerous. Now the question arises whether these smoke particles are also dangerous for the general public, explain the physicians.

Stress also by e-cigarettes?

A total of 29 percent of the tiny indoor particles humans can breathe in a nonsmoker room have been linked to the residuals of third-party smoke. These results could also apply to particles released from e-cigarettes, says Professor DeCarlo.

Tar adheres everywhere and releases toxic substances

People should be aware that smoke-free environments are not necessarily free of smoke or tobacco smoke, warns the expert. The particles from the smoke of cigarettes unfortunately stay in the air for a very long time. Previous research has already shown that organic compounds in cigarette smoke (tar) adhere to walls, carpets, furniture, clothing, skin and hair. Once they settle down, they can stay there for months and even years, releasing new, sometimes more toxic substances

Environment actually had a high air quality

What makes this study so remarkable is that the Drexel University has been smoke free for over 20 years and the air quality during their experiments was very high. It was observed in the study that even very small amounts of cigarette smoke have a major impact on air quality.

How can the room air be improved??

Small particles carried through the air are very important to human health because they can penetrate deep into the lungs. Even a low concentration of these particles in the air increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung disease. Since the use of tobacco products has such a strong influence on the chemistry of our indoor air, enforcing a strict smoke-free policy and providing comprehensive services to people who want to quit smoking is very important. So the air in the room can be kept clean, which would lead to an improved protection of public health, the experts emphasize. (As)