We all know that smoking is bad. We all know that inhaling second hand smoke is bad. But are we really sure that we are on board with third hand smoke being harmful as well?

For those of you who have not heard much about this yet, third hand smoke is the smoke that lingers long after the cigarette has been finished. It could be on the person who smoked, in the fabric of a car, in the carpet and furniture in the room, or even clinging to the dust in a particular room. The experts claim that infants and toddlers are much more susceptible to the dangers of third hand smoke because their little lungs are still developing and also because they are much more apt to be crawling around and putting things that are contaminated with the lingering toxins in their mouth. They also say that among the substances in third hand smoke are hydrogen cyanide (this is used in chemical weapons); butane; toluene (found in paint thinners); arsenic; lead; carbon monoxide; and polonium-210 (a radioactive carcinogen). 11 of the compounds found are highly carcinogenic.

There are some suggestions on how to reduce the amount of third hand smoke that you expose to your family. Always smoke outdoors away from your children, wear a smoking jacket, and wash your hands as soon as you are finished your cigarette.

Despite all the research and concerns of this new threat, researchers have concluded that they are not aware of the amount of risk involved with third hand smoke would likely cause.

So it all boils down to whether or not you are ready to believe the preliminary research. I do not doubt that smoke, in any shape or form, is bad for anyone; but I have to wonder how far we will go when it comes to the government stepping in to keep us safe. Just recently, there have been smoking bans in different cities: you can no longer smoke in cars carrying passengers who are under 16. Will they also take away the ability to smoke in your home if you have children?

Now let me say – I grew up in a house where both parents smoked. My mother not only smoked through her entire pregnancy, but it was during a time when you could still smoke in the hospital! Personally, I am a non smoker. I would not sit in a room filled with smokers puffing away. I would not allow children to sit in that same room. But I still just have to wonder how far we should take things with regards to Government intervention.

This is just one person’s thoughts. I am interested in what you think. Do you believe in third hand smoke? Is it as much of a threat as it is being made out to be? Where should we draw the line when it comes to Government intervention?