Sakamaki-Ching S, Schick S, Grigorean G, et al. Dermal thirdhand smoke exposure induces oxidative damage, initiates skin inflammatory markers, and adversely alters the human plasma proteome. The Lancet: eBioMedicine. 1 October 2022. 84; 104256. Lancet study shows damage from thirdhand smoke exposure (THS);
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(22)00438-8/fulltext
In this study, “10 healthy, non-smoking subjects were recruited for dermal exposure for 3 hours to clothing impregnated with filtered clean air or THS.”
Authors conclude that findings “demonstrate that acute dermal exposure to THS increased oxidation of urinary DNA, lipids, and proteins and produced changes in the plasma proteome that are similar to those observed in cigarette smokers. THS exposure activated the innate immune system, increased oxidative stress, and elevated biomarkers associated with skin diseases, such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. Pathways associated with other cigarette-induced diseases not involving the skin were also elevated in THS-exposed subjects.”
Comment: Findings indicate that even limited thirdhand smoke exposure may be harmful, “affecting adhesion of blood cells and initiating a pro-inflammatory response, which is a risk factor for thrombosis.”
Stephen Hamann
