Firlapalooza

I’m not a smoker, but I’d say one of the neat things about having this habit is how long you can extend a cigarette’s usage – a single cigarette can actually be enjoyed multiple times, and by numerous people.  Sure, the best part of the smoke would be the initial user’s inhalation of the cigarette, but as long as the exhaled second-hand smoke remains in the air, there is still an opportunity for the smoker and all other bystanders to partake, and make use of that cigarette’s contents.

I would have thought that this would be the end of it, but a study has indicated that a cigarette can potentially be enjoyed even after the lingering smoke has dissipated.  This study has come up with the concept of “third-hand smoke” to describe the remnants from a cigarette’s smoke left behind on the surface of furniture, car seats, rugs, pets, clothes, and other materials long after the cigarette has been extinguished.  Although the study (actually, more of a telephone survey) did not actually involve taking samples of surfaces and dust in a smokers’ homes (which, without empirical results, would understandably make some question the theory), but according to the experts, one can delight in a cigarette long after the last puff by touching some surfaces.

As well, there appears to be evidence in a study published a couple of days ago that the third-hand smoke surface residue could theoretically react with certain substances in the air to form new and active compounds.  Should this then be considered fourth-hand smoke?  Compared to one-time only consumables like chocolate or Fresca, it seems that cigarettes just keep on giving, even when unlit.  Now that we are becoming aware how far they can go, the question becomes (especially for those on a budget), if someone remains in an enclosed space, could fewer cigarettes thus provide all the nutrients one needs for the day?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010, and is filed under Healthy Living. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site. I reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments.