There are different types of exposure to tobacco smoke. Severity and duration of exposure are other variables to consider.
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Tobacco Smoke Exposure
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Description
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firsthand
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inhalation of tobacco smoke by smoker
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secondhand
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inhalation of tobacco smoke in the air
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thirdhand
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residual nicotine and tobacco by-products left on indoor surfaces
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Theories about exposures to thirdhand smoke:
(1) oral contact with a contaminated cloth surface
(2) skin contact with contaminated surface
(3) off-gassing of volatile residues
