Definition:
Smoke that is produced from the burning of tobacco products that contains both solid particles and gases
Facts:
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There are many recommendations and home remedies for removing smoke odors. The list of products includes a variety of things such as vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, coffee grounds, vanilla, dryer sheets, and hydrogen peroxide.
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Activated Carbon is the best way to effectively absorb and remove odors from tobacco smoke. The most ideal method is through the use of your air filter which will have contact with the largest percentage of your indoor air, especially when leaving the system on to continuously recirculate and refilter your air.
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A HEPA filtration system functioning in a sealed cleanroon, surgical, or pharmaceutical environment is required to remove all smoke particles.
Reactions:
Adverse reactions to tobacco smoke can occur in those with and without allergies and can be due to the chemical ingredients and/or the smoke odor itself. Those with allergies to other particles tend to be more reactive to tobacco smoke. The level of severity of the symptoms below can vary greatly depending on the degree of sensitivity.
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irritation to eyes, nose, throat
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coughing, sneezing
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runny nose, congestion
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headache
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shortness of breath, wheezing
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sinusitis, bronchitis
Particle Size:
Tobacco smoke particles range from .01 - 1 micron. The particles themselves are too small to be seen without a microscope, but we are able to see the smoke due to the light reflecting off of the particles.