Did you know that musicians who play in bars or music venues that allow smoking are affected not only by secondhand smoke, but by thirdhand smoke, too? Thirdhand smoke is the toxic, chemical residue from secondhand smoke that sticks on musicians’ instruments and merchandise, as well as on their hair and clothing. As our Smokefree Music Cities fact sheet states, “Thirdhand smoke is the invisible ‘dust’ of more than 250 chemicals that settles on carpets, drapes, and other fabrics—as well as on your guitar or instrument, microphone, amp, keyboard—and lingers well after a cigarette has been put out.” Thirdhand smoke’s lasting effects can be seen on a smoke-stained guitar and in the yellowing of ivory keys on a piano.
The chemicals that are in thirdhand smoke are incredibly dangerous because they can cause cancer and lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis. Since thirdhand smoke sticks to musicians’ equipment, instruments, clothing, hair, and skin, it unfortunately gets brought home and their families are consequently exposed to the dangerous chemicals. It is imperative that artists are protected while working and performing so that they and their families are not put at higher risk for disease and respiratory illness.
Hear musicians talk about thirdhand smoke in our videos here:
3 minute video contains more stories and information.
Read our fact sheet to learn more about the effects of both secondhand and thirdhand smoke on musicians: