hand smoking wasn't enough to deteriorate a person's health, a few recent studies show that third-hand smoking is also very dangerous and has its own set of hazards. Third-hand smoke is the nicotine residue that is left behind on furniture, walls and carpeting after a cigarette has been smoked in a room, which becomes airborne a second time. It is an unintentional intake of harmful chemicals. Some people think that smoking in another section of the house or away from people can reduce its harmful side effects, but it does not. In fact, even after opening windows getting rid of third-hand smoke is difficult because the smoke residue lurks in one's clothes, hair and hand, apart from lingering in the air and clinging to things in and around the room. Experts believe that second-hand smoke is six to 12 times more dangerous than smoking, but the risk of third-hand smoke is considerably larger because it stays for a very long period of time. Hence, this poses as another major health-threat for children and others living in the house or at work. According to statistics compiled by Ministry of Health's Tobacco Control Department and the World Health Organization in 2007 confirmed that 27.7 percent of adolescents have tried smoking at some point in their lives. In addition, 8.7 percent have smoked Hookah pipes and 8.6 percent have smoked cigarettes. The survey also reveals that 29.4 percent lived at home with smokers and 24 percent had one or both parents smoking. However, 73 percent people believe that smoking should be banned in public places. A mother of a four-year-old told the Saudi Gazette, that, “Shisha and cigarettes are now banned in my house and I usually ask people not to smoke around my kids or touch them after smoking. People think it is crazy, but that's because they do not think it is harmful. It is selfish to enjoy a smoke and hurt other people's health, especially that of children.” She wasn't aware of third-hand smoke's side effects until she found out from a doctor the reason behind her child's severe cough. She also said that she felt sorry for those children whose parents smoke in front of them in their cars and at homes. Dr. Jamal Abdullah Basahi said that there are no statistics about third-hand smoking and that it is a mix of toxics that are left on clothes, hair, furniture and tools. “Smoking away from children does not keep them safe. The smoker should at least spend an hour in fresh air to prevent others from inhaling third-hand smoke, which is dangerous for babies and could lead to chest diseases and other allergies,” said Basahi. He advices people not to smoke, especially in cars which are small and where smoke can be intensive. __
