Understanding Tobacco Hazards — What Are Firsthand, Secondhand, and Thirdhand Smoke?

Understanding tobacco harm: what are first-hand, second-hand and third-hand smoke?

• First-hand smoke: smoke drawn directly into the smoker's lungs. Burning tobacco produces some 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which are known carcinogens.
• Second-hand smoke: smoke from a lit cigarette or exhaled by a smoker, classified by the World Health Organization as a group one carcinogen.
• Third-hand smoke: the pollutants left in the environment after a cigarette is extinguished. Burning tobacco releases potentially toxic compounds that settle on hair, carpets, curtains, clothing, food and furniture; prolonged contact with or inhalation of these residues raises the risk of cancer.

The second-generation smoking cessation subsidy has been expanded to help you quit. Smoking cessation helpline 0800-63-63-63 (from the Chiayi City Government Public Health Bureau).