Thirdhand Smoke and Neonatal/Pediatric Health: A Scoping Review on Nursing Implications.

Background/Objectives: Thirdhand smoke (THS), residual tobacco pollutants persisting on surfaces, dust, and fabrics, poses specific risks to infants and children, yet its implications for nursing remain underexplored. This scoping review mapped existing evidence on THS in neonatal and pediatric contexts and synthesized nursing implications, focusing on nurses' knowledge, unintentional environmental contamination, and educational roles. Methods: Following JBI methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a three-step search was performed across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey. Studies were included if they addressed (1) nurses' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward THS-related risks in infants and children; (2) nurses' contribution to unintentional environmental THS contamination; or (3) nurse-led educational or preventive interventions targeting parents or communities. Results: Among 563 records, 8 met inclusion criteria. Four investigated nurses' awareness and perceptions, revealing limited understanding of THS despite recognition of its harmfulness. One study examined contamination, detecting nicotine residues on nurses' fingers, suggesting possible in-hospital transmission. No nurse-led interventions specifically targeting THS were found, though broader smoke-exposure education programs showed benefits when supported by nursing staff. Conclusions: Evidence is scarce but underscores significant gaps in nurses' knowledge, clinical guidance, and educational initiatives concerning THS. Strengthening nursing education and research is essential to mitigate THS exposure in neonatal and pediatric settings and enhance nurses' preventive and advocacy roles.