The “third hand of smoking” can damage human skin

A study by the University of California, Riverside, found that dermal exposure to nicotine concentrations from “third hand smoking” (THS) and e-cigarette leaks may damage the skin.

The term “third hand smoking”, of which nicotine is a major component, refers to the smoke and odors that remain in the place of smoking, that is, when smoke emitted from burning cigarettes accumulates on surfaces such as clothing, hair, furniture and cars. Thus, the “third hand of smoking” (THS) refers to the residue left by smoking.

E-cigarette leaks reflect e-liquid leaks that may occur due to spillage of e-cigarette products or when consumers and sellers mix e-liquids for refillable e-cigarettes.

The results of the study are out in the air

“We found that skin contact with nicotine may impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections due to reduced immune response, and cause stress,” said Giovanna Pozuelos, who graduated earlier this year from UC Riverside with a PhD in cell, molecular and developmental biology. oxidative stress in skin cells.

The study was conducted using EpiDermTM, a 3D model of human skin, and cultured human keratinocytes.
Keratinocytes are the epidermal cells that produce keratin, the protein found in hair and nails.

The researchers exposed the EpiDermTM for 24 hours to different concentrations of nicotine commonly found in “third hand smoking” environments and e-cigarette leaks.

The researchers then set out to identify the processes and pathways that were altered by exposure. They studied the effect of nicotine on cellular organelles, mitochondria and peroxisomes, which are organelles that contain enzymes involved in many metabolic reactions.

According to Boswellos, the most susceptible individuals are those with skin conditions such as diabetes-related ulcers or arterial ulcers.

She said: “Skin contact with residual nicotine may impair wound healing from such skin lesions and increase susceptibility to disease-causing skin infections. Young children and infants, who tend to crawl on contaminated surfaces or who frequently come into contact with indoor surfaces, are particularly vulnerable to skin exposure. Employers who work in highly contaminated environments with third-hand materials can be exposed to smoking, as indoor smoking is permitted for months or even years.”

Fortunately, changes in the mitochondria of human keratinocytes exposed to nicotine for 24 hours are reversible.
“The skin may recover by avoiding continuous skin exposure to environments contaminated by third hand smoking, and properly handling the liquids used in e-cigarettes,” said co-author Pro Talbot, professor of cell biology involved in the study.

“It is important to note that a relatively short exposure, 24 hours in our study, is sufficient to cause skin damage,” he added.

Posuelos stressed that the severity of skin damage depends on both the duration of exposure and the concentration of nicotine.

She explained: “All third-hand smoke and e-cigarette leaks and leaks can be harmful. Third-hand exposure to smoking may be chronic for someone living in a home contaminated with these buildups, which may lead to constant exposure to the skin. Vendors and consumers who handle cigarettes can also be exposed. e-cigarettes containing or using high concentrations of nicotine.

Posuelos advises consumers and sellers of e-cigarettes to minimize skin contact by wearing appropriate protective equipment and properly cleaning contaminated areas.

“Restrictions on indoor smoking and vaping, and policies to address polluted environments must be implemented,” she said.