A study to be published in the November edition of the journal, Atmospheric Environment, found that a chemical reaction between secondhand tobacco smoke and a common air pollutant (ozone) yields a new generation of toxic compounds that are constituents of “thirdhand smoke” that may cause potential adverse health effects.  In particular, these new compounds were found to have a higher asthma hazard index than the parent compounds, suggesting that thirdhand smoke byproducts may be more likely to cause or exacerbate asthma. Thirdhand smoke, a new term coined to describe the lingering effects of aged secondhand smoke deposited on indoor surfaces such as furniture, wall and floor coverings, clothing, and automobile upholstery, has recently been described as a potential health hazard due to the formation of irritant aerosols and carcinogenic adsorbed compounds.  To access the abstract and more information, please click here.