If you smoke a cigarette, it is primary smoking, and if you smell cigarette smoke next to it, it is secondary smoke. You are exposed to harmful substances even if you are in an area where you have smoked cigarettes or are with people who have smoked cigarettes. It’s third-hand smoke.
Researchers at the University of California, USA, published a study that showed that nicotine left on clothes, hair, furniture, and cars following smoking, that is, third-hand smoke, damages the skin. The researchers also found that nicotine residues in leaked solutions from e-liquids can also cause skin damage.
The research team looked at changes following exposing artificially cultured epithelial tissue and keratin-producing cells to nicotine at various concentrations for a third time for 24 hours. As a result, the skin’s ability to heal is impaired, immunity to infection is reduced, and it is vulnerable to the oxidative stress that causes aging.
“Skin damage was found within 24 hours,” the researchers said. “The risk of skin damage increases as the nicotine concentration and exposure time are long.”
The researchers said, “The adverse effects of nicotine residues are the same whether it is smoking at the beginning of the year or spilling liquid.
Studies have shown that infants and children who are prone to crawling on the floor or touching indoor objects are at greater risk of coming into contact with nicotine residues. In addition, workers who work in areas such as casinos that are heavily contaminated with third-hand smoke may be exposed to nicotine residues for a long period of time.
This study (Nicotine Affects Multiple Biological Processes in EpiDermTM Organotypic Tissues and Keratinocyte Monolayers) was published in the journal Atmosphere.
Reporter Lee Yong-jae youngchaeyi@kormedi.com
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