Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Indiana. Everyone knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you know that secondhand and thirdhand smoke can also cause cancer and other serious diseases in adults and children who have never smoked?
Most of us have heard of secondhand smoke we also need to know about thirdhand smoke. What is 3rd hand smoke? What happens is Smoking and Vaping can leave chemicals behind that stick to surfaces like cloths, toys, furniture, and flooring. Children, especially small children crawl around on the floor and tend to put toys in their mouths. This is just normal type of behavior. And they are unaware that they are ingesting harmful chemicals. The chemicals build up over time and can be difficult to remove.
To avoid or help protect children:
Don’t allow anyone to smoke or vape in your home or car
Ask childcare providers not to smoke or vape any time inside any home, building, or car where your children go.
If you smoke or vape, now is a good time to quit.