The arrival of a new baby signals so much joy and anticipation but it can also be fraught with worry.

One mom was concerned about her baby being exposed to third-hand smoke as her mother-in-law was a heavy smoker.

Her mother-in-law would not smoke around her baby but would still have smoke on her clothes and hair and the mom-to-be was understandably concerned.

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Thirdhand smoke is residual nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. People are exposed to these chemicals by touching contaminated surfaces or breathing in the off-gassing from these surfaces.

“This residue is thought to react with common indoor pollutants to create a toxic mix including cancer causing compounds, posing a potential health hazard to nonsmokers — especially children.”

To be absolutely sure her mother-in-law wasn’t bringing any third-hand smoke into her home and around her baby she asked if she could shower and change her clothes before holding her new grandchild.

According to Slate.com’s Care and Feeding page the mom said: ” I’m not worried about her smoking in front of my child, but after researching thirdhand smoke, I am very concerned about her holding the baby after she has had a cigarette. My husband and I have decided that after she smokes, she needs to shower and change her clothes before she can pick up the baby.