• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.77-81
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• 2010

Tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are linked to a number of adverse health outcomes. There is a new concept of thirdhand smoke that is residual tobacco smoke contamination remained after the cigarette is extinguished. This paper reviews published studies examining the residual tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke can be attached to various surfaces and reemitted to air for long period of time. The dynamic process can allow thirdhand smoke exposure to tobacco smoke without direct exposure to secondhand smoke. One critical evidence of the thirdhand smoke exposure was significantly high urinary cotinine level of infant who did not have direct secondhand smoke exposure. Potential exposure to new and more potent chemicals generated from chemical reactions between residual tobacco smoke and ambient air pollutants can get more attention. Considering toxicity and exposure route, children are uniquely susceptible to thirdhand smoke exposure. The review provides strong background information for thirdhand smoke but warrant more researches on this issue.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.90-97
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• 2018

Objectives: Thirdhand smoke (THS) refers to residual tobacco smoke pollutants that remain after cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of the belief among adults in Korea that THS is harmful to children. Methods: A population-based sample of 3,000 adults (${\geq}19$ years) among a web-based panel in Korea was obtained in November 2016. The respondents filled out questionnaires, including THS beliefs, smoking status, presence of voluntary smoke-free rules at home, and support for the implementation of smoke-free regulations at home. THS beliefs were assessed with a statement that staying in a room today where people smoked yesterday can harm the health of children. Results: Overall, 92.2 % of adults believed that THS exposure could harm the health of children. Respondents who were nonsmokers, believed that SHS exposure were associated with pneumonia of children, lived in home with complete smoke-free rule at home, and supported the implementation of smoke-free regulation at home were more likely to believe that THS could harm for health of children. Conclusions: The majority of Korean adults believed that THS exposure could harm the health of children. Predictors identified in the study can be useful to address the risk of THS beliefs and promote implementation of tobacco control policies.