title: The Challenges of Limiting Exposure to THS in Vulnerable Populations.
abstract: Research on active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure has led to policy changes to protect individuals from the adverse health impacts of tobacco smoke. Despite the extensive literature on tobacco, only recently has there been recognition that long-lived tobacco smoke components (known as "thirdhand smoke" or THS) in indoor environments where smoking has taken place may have adverse health consequences. This paper describes THS and addresses the challenges of limiting exposure to THS in vulnerable populations (e.g., nonsmokers and young children). We conducted a limited survey of key stakeholders in the Los Angeles area to better understand approaches to address THS in the real estate and automobile industries. Most respondents indicated concerns about past smoking for property value and reported using various techniques to eliminate THS. We consider examples of other pollutants as case studies, including radon, asbestos, and lead, to help frame policy directions for THS. Based on the information collected from stakeholders and the case studies, we offer policy approaches to managing THS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, The Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA, jsamet@med.usc.edu.
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Samet
authors.forename: Dayana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chanson
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wipfli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007854:Lead; D015141:Los Angeles; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D011640:Public Policy; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D007854:Lead