Pangasinan health officer warns against thirdhand smoke

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A provincial health officer warned that babies and toddlers face health risks from thirdhand smoke, which includes the lingering smell of smoke on clothes, skin, and hair.

"Masama sa kalusugan ng mga bata kasi wala silang immunity sa smoke na yon. Kung paulit-ulit ang pangyayari, ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang bata ay laging may ashma, o may bronchitis, o bronchoneumonia dahil mas risk factor sa bahay," Provincial Health Officer Anna de Guzman said.

Thirdhand smoke also lingers in furniture, curtains, bed sheets, and other cloth materials that may be found in areas where a person smokes.

"Ang tendency kapag kinarga ng isang taong nanigarilyo ang kanyang baby, nasisinghot nito yong among ng sigarilyo na dumikit sa damit ng smoker o sa kamay at balat niya mismo. Ganon din, yong dumikit sa bedsheet kung saan gumagapang ang baby,” she added.

De Guzman said this is another reason why smokers must quit. It is not only bad to their health, but also to the recipient of the secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke, she remarked. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)