In the world of indoor air quality, thirdhand smoke poses a persistent challenge. The toxic residue from cigarettes, clinging to surfaces for months or even years, has left property owners seeking effective remediation methods. Berkeley Lab scientist Hugo Destaillats and his team delved into this predicament with a comprehensive study on the application of ozone generators, shedding light on their potential.
The Lingering Issue of Thirdhand Smoke
Residue from cigarettes can endure on indoor surfaces, including fabrics, drywall, and carpets, creating a reservoir of contaminants. The pressing question from the public has been how to remediate spaces where smokers once lived. Ozone generators, commonly used by remediation companies to eliminate odors from various sources, became the focus of the study.
Unveiling the Research
Destaillats and his colleagues from Berkeley Lab’s Indoor Environment Group designed a room-sized chamber study to assess the effects of ozonation on chemical compounds typical of thirdhand smoke. The study, funded by the University of California’s Tobacco Related Diseases Research Program and recently published in the journal Environmental Research revealed an intriguing find: ozone proved effective in removing tobacco contaminants adsorbed on materials.
Practical Implications
“Ozone could remove nicotine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that had adsorbed onto fabrics after smoking,” Destaillats explained. “But our study shows that people need to wait a few hours after the generator has run and allow the space to be ventilated before going back inside.”
Conclusion
As we strive for healthier indoor environments, understanding the nuances of remediation techniques becomes paramount. The Berkeley Lab study demonstrates that ozone can eliminate thirdhand smoke lingering odors.