LCS Laboratory Inc., offers a number of tests for the analysis of exposure to tobacco smoke. To make sure that you select your tests correctly, let’s discuss the difference between different forms of exposure.
Tobacco smoke exposes several thousand chemicals, that are inhaled during active smoking. It is common knowledge that nicotine is a signature compound found in every tobacco product, but there are several hundred more toxic compounds in cigarette smoke such as benzene formaldehyde, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and carbon monoxide.
People are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) when they live or work next to active smoker, typically in the same office, shop, or home. SHS consist of a mixture of 2 forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco:
Mainstream smoke: The smoke exhaled by a smoker.
Sidestream smoke: Smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, or tobacco burning in a hookah. This type of smoke has higher concentration of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and is more toxic than mainstream smoke. It also has smaller particles than mainstream smoke. These smaller particles easily make their way into the lungs and the the cells of the body.
In other words you are exposed to SHS if somebody is smoking next to you, or even from the smoke of your next door neighbor.
Thirdhand smoke (THS) is a relatively new term, that is used to describe tobacco residue from cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products that is left behind after smoking. This can build up on surfaces and furnishings. To remove the residue of THS, hard surfaces, fabrics and upholstery need to be regularly cleaned or laundered.
LCS Laboratory offers testing for SHS and THS and will be happy to discuss your project. Please email us for a free no-obligation quote
