New Study Examines Particulate Matter Linked to Third-hand Smoke

CBS News recently published an article about a study from scientists at Drexel University that looked into the frequency of exposure to third-hand smoke. The researchers found that 29% of the indoor submicron aerosol mass in an empty, nonsmoking classroom was linked to cigarette smoke.

Third-hand smoke refers to the residues left behind on most surfaces and objects after second-hand smoke has cleared. This is not the first study that has looked at exposure concerns associated with third-hand smoke. In 2010, information about a multi-institutional study that was led by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was released. It looked into health dangers associated with third-hand smoke and found that nicotine can remain on the surface of carpets, furniture, floors, walls and other materials for up to months after it was deposited. The study also found that nicotine residues could react with ambient nitrous acid and form carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).

“Whether it’s exposure to particulate matter in the air, gases or chemical residues on surfaces, exposure to second-hand or third-hand smoke is not good for families, students or workers,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To identify exposure concerns, EMSL provides environmental testing to detect particulate matter, smoke residues, nicotine residues, and other airborne and surface contaminants in all types of residential, commercial and industrial settings. Our Product Division provides access to the industry’s leading particle counters and we also have an easy-to-use Nicotine Test Kit and a Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit. These test kits are ideal for those who may be considering the purchase or rental of a property and do not want their families exposed to nicotine or smoke residues.”

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality (IAQ), occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services or air monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail