We love to ingest smoke the old-fashioned way: straight into our lungs. Second-hand smoke will do in a pinch. But third-hand smoke? What kind of smoking hysteria is that?

According to a new study in Pediatrics, just being in a room where the evil cancer sticks were once lit is like taking a stroll through Chernobyl.

Freaked out scientists warn:

Small children are especially susceptible to third-hand smoke exposure because they can inhale near, crawl and play on, or touch and mouth contaminated surfaces. Third-hand smoke can remain indoors even long after the smoking has stopped. Similar to low-level lead exposure, low levels of tobacco particulates have been associated with cognitive deficits among children, and the higher the exposure level, the lower the reading score.

You know what else lowers the reading score? Video games.

Whatever. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.