Nicotine study sparks ‘third-hand smoke’ fears

NICOTINE stains on clothing, furniture and wallpaper can react with a common indoor pollutant to generate dangerous cancer chemicals, say scientists.

The findings raise concerns about “third-hand smoke”, the name given to nicotine residues that cling to surfaces for months.

They are also said to raise doubts about the safety of “e-cigarettes” – battery- powered devices designed to provide a nicotine “hit” without the risk of cancer.