third-hand smoke - really upset

[Starlight32]

I was around someone today for approx. one hr that smelled strongly like cigarette smoke. I tried to cover my nose as much as possible, but it was inevitable to breath in the smell. I'm really worried! Reading online, it looks like third-hand smoke can affect baby's lungs and cause problems. Has anyone been in this situation-- where they had to be around someone who smoked (and smelled like smoke) for a good chunk of time?

 

[laila 44]

Really not a big deal my dear. My DH smokes although not around me but sometimes I smell it on him. Also just walking into my dr appt there was a cloud of smoke in the door way where ppl were puffing away. Not much to do not a big deal we can't live in a bubble I guess... As long as u aren't the one smoking and or living in a smoke infested house then all should be fine xx

 

[Marumi]

I think it isn't a problem as long as you are not constantly exposed. My mother smokes, annoyingly in her kitchen too, so even if I leave the room, it smells.

 

[Starlight32]

Thanks ladies. I think I'm extremely sensitive to smells right now...

 

[NZKiwi]

Smoke smells awful, especially now when pregnant, but honestly third hand smoke won't cause you any issues, if you think about it just walking down a busy street would expose you to more toxic chemicals with not only people smoking but the exhaust fumes from passing traffic. Like others said can't live in a bubble.

 

[ZubZub]

I also think if you were just smelling the smoke / nicotine smell, not breathing in smoke itself then it's nothing to worry about. Amazing how strong your sense of smell becomes!

 

[Misscalais]

Your baby will be fine.
My mum smoked her entire pregnancy with me and 2 of my siblings ( back then they didn't know the risks ) im perfectly fine as are my siblings.
The smell of cigarettes on someone isn't going to harm your baby. BUT just be careful with smokers around your bub when they arrive as it can be a sids risk.

 

[LDC]

I personally wouldn't be around anyone who is actively smoking whilst you're pregnant. I don't really agree with the comment above about the mother smoking and being ok - I'd say that's more luck than anything else as we know that there are huge risks of smoking when pregnant. The smell of smoke once someone has finished smoking is something we can't avoid (I'm a stop smoking worker and am surrounded by it all day) and is more unpleasant than harmful so please don't worry. Like you say, our senses are heightened so we Smell everything 100 times stronger!

Like pp said, we walk down the street and are exposed to toxins from pollution that we probably don't even realise. It's all a bit gross really!

X

 

[Tripledagger3]

Being around third hand smoke for an hour isn't going to effect your pregnancy.

 

[ChocolateC]

What others said: I wouldn't worry at all. We react to all smells, especially bad ones, so strongly: perfume can make me want to gag and faint at the same time. I personally would feel uncomfortable living with a smoker while pregnant but some smokers are more careful to contain their smoke outside, change clothes, etc., than others. Yeah, I also hate it when I pass someone puffing away on the street and I get a big breath of it, but I honestly wouldn't stress about it.

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

You'll be fine Try and relax!