A few weeks ago, I came across a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, from the Scientific American. The study summoned a new phenomenon called third-hand smoke. As an ex-smoker and frequent Muni rider, the study held my attention. Third-hand smoke refers to the particulates, such as cyanide and lead (which has been shown to lower IQ levels) that stay on clothes, furniture, and other areas adjacent to a smoker’s fumes. In short, third-hand smoke is the residue left behind after the smoker has stopped smoking. Second-hand smoke, on the other hand, is the actual smoke that bystanders inhale as smokers puff, puff away.
So why do I bring up this subject on Muni Diaries? ‘Cause the other day on the 43-Masonic, some guy took the seat next to me, reeking of smoke. My mind immediately pedaled back to the story about third-hand smoke. I didn’t exactly panic, but thoughts of a lowered IQ somersaulted frenetically in my head. What if by just sitting next to this guy I’d reduced my life by seven minutes? What if the cigarette particulates somehow get transferred from the guy’s clothes to mine, and then spread rampantly across my flat, to my clothes, sheets, all the way to my dog’s fur?
As these inflammatory ideas (literally) abounded in my head, I came to the realization that I’d have to get up and move seats, something I abhor doing for the sake of social graciousness. But I did it anyway. I got up and moved. The guy seemed indifferent by my social faux pas, although I did catch him glance at me when I took a seat a few rows to his right.
Was I being a bit impulsive? Paranoid? Down-right snobby? Well, probably a little of all. Especially when I returned home and realized why the study was listed in the journal Pediatrics. I couldn’t find any evidence on whether third-hand smoke affects adults. Rather, the worse culprits are children, simply due to their susceptibility to being closer to the particulates and their faster respiration times.
Still, better safe than sorry. I think when the situation calls for it — for the sake of your health anyway — it’s perfectly acceptable to get up and move seats. Not to mention that the guy doused himself in cologne. The smoke-cologne combo nearly made me gag. So, OK, there are at least two good reasons to get up and move. I’m sure y’all can broil up some others.
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I had a smoker in my yoga class last week and as the class went on the smell got worse and worse. The heat brought it out, like being cooped up in a confined space such as a bus or a muni train would. Cancer or no cancer it’s smells terrible!
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Interesting topic here … I actually think it’s totally fine to get up and move seats on MUNI for pretty much any reason that makes you uncomfortable. We all pay the same money to ride in those seats and should all be as equally comfortable or uncomfortable as anyone else. No need to be rude about it but it can be done subtly enough most of the time.
@ Suzanne … a smoker in yoga? That’s just bad. I had a massage therapist once who had obviously smoked right before the session. Worst massage of my life.
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I don’t think this is as much a health issue as it is a “not wanting to sit next to someone who stinks” issue.
Do smokers think that other people can’t smell them?
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