Another effect of tobacco that non-smokers might not realize is that it builds up on surfaces like walls, furniture, clothes, and carpets and can remain there for many months. To raise awareness about the consequences of tobacco products, Bored Panda compiled a list showing what smoking does to public spaces, people’s homes, and possessions. Prepare to be shocked, and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions related to the effects of smoking.
#1 The Ceiling Tiles In The Da Nang Airport Smoking Section vs. Non-Smoking Section
The proper term to describe what is happening in these photos is thirdhand smoke. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explains to Bored Panda, “Thirdhand smoke is the residue left over from cigarette smoking that sticks to indoor surfaces, even after the smoke is gone.
When someone smokes tobacco, even after they are done smoking and the smoke has cleared the room, chemicals and toxins from the smoke could become embedded in clothing or furniture, or could mix with dust and land on hard surfaces, like countertops.”
#4 Cleaning A Chandelier From A Smoker’s Home. I Already Cleaned The Bottom Piece, And It Looks So Much Better
#5 The Biggest Battle Here Was Smoke Damage And Odors. Sealing Everything Up, Fresh Paint, And New Finishes Did The Job. This Home Sold With Tons Of Offers The First Day On The Market
#6 I Do Repaints For A Landlord After His Tenants Move Out. This Is A Carpet Of A Smoker After They Moved Their Bed
“This is different from firsthand and secondhand smoke, which refers to the smoke itself that’s inhaled, either directly from a cigarette (firsthand smoke) or from being near someone smoking a cigarette (secondhand smoke),” Jamie further tells us.
#8 Attention BMW Smokers
Even though people aren’t inhaling smoke directly or from being near it, thirdhand smoke still poses a threat to those around it. “Some of the chemicals found in third-hand smoke are known to cause cancer,” says Jamie.
#11 I Saw This Ile De La Cite Painting And Fell In Love With It. Yesterday, I Picked It Up After Being Cleaned, And The Person Said That It Had Years Of Nicotine Damage
“Scientists and public health experts are particularly concerned about young children’s exposure to third-hand smoke, as they tend to spend a lot of time indoors, and often put things in their mouths,” she adds.
#13 If You Need A Reason To Stop Smoking Cigarettes, Imagine What The Inside Looks Like
The chemicals from inside smoking are known to remain in spaces that have been heavily smoked in for years. Professor Georg Matt of San Diego State University told Medical News Today that their team even found harmful residue in a person’s apartment who had quit heavy smoking 9 years ago.
However, brief visits to smoker’s homes or public spaces where smoking is allowed shouldn’t cause a lot of worry. Researchers calculated the daily dose from inhaling or ingesting chemicals from thirdhand smoke, which comes to an insignificant amount if we divide it over the years, explains Dr. Hugo Destaillats.
