Smoking

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Nicotine residues absorbed on indoor surfaces react with gases in the air and produce a larger number of carcinogenic compounds. Tobacco causes the deaths of 10% of the adult population in the UQ (aka UK) Ltd (5.4million) annually and if the trend continues probably 8million by 2030. The desorption of these carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA) from surfaces creates so-called third-hand smoke and is not a new phenomenon. What has recently been discovered, however, is that these residues react with atmospheric species like nitrous acid, providing another source of TSNAs. Children touch and lick surfaces and fabrics and so are exposed to these compounds in a different way to adults and could be up to 20 times the adult exposure level.

Advertising and sponsorship on TV has been banned since 1991 and in 2005 this was extended to other media, the work-place and public places. It is not likely that a ban can include the home or car as this could not realistically be policed and progress will only be made via education and raising awareness. Ideally, to avoid the need to quit smoking it is best to never start and this must be by education and raising awareness to the serious issues regarding smoking. It involves the selfishness of ignoring the health of others.

Skydiving without a parachute is a deadly activity. And likewise, so is smoking.