The Effects of Smoking Around a Computer

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke is very harmful to a computer, much more so than dust. Cigarette smoke tends to be moist and carries with it assorted residual chemicals from the cigarette itself. In addition, the cigarette smoke will attract other particles in the air to it such as dust or pet hair. The combination of chemicals and other particles turns the smoke into a sticky mass that coats surfaces in a matted brown residue.

Computers generate a lot of heat, and the harder the computer works, the more heat it generates. This heat is extremely detrimental, causing the computer to perform poorly or components to fail outright. To keep the computer cool, air is cycled through metal heat sinks located on the components that build up the most heat, such as the processor. Cigarette smoke forces residue to build up on the fans and heat sinks inside the computer. This buildup clogs the air flow and prevents the computer from expelling heat, causing potentially fatal damage. In addition, cigarette smoke leaves a film on the surface of LCD screens, distorting the picture and making the image hard to see over time.

To prevent the smoke residue from building up to a point where it will cause irreversible harm, the computer should be cleaned more often than a machine not exposed to secondhand smoke. Before cleaning, turn off the computer, fully disconnect it and move it to a well-ventilated space. Use compressed air to remove the buildup from inside of the computer, taking special notice of the fans and heat sinks. Never use a cloth or rag to clean any internal components as it can cause electrostatic discharge, damaging components. For severe buildup, the computer should be professionally cleaned.

There is no way to completely prevent airborne particles from entering a computer as it needs an unrestricted air flow in order to stay cool. An air purifier placed near the computer can help eliminate dust and other small particles in the air but will not be effective with cigarette smoke. The only way to prevent secondhand smoke residue from building up inside a computer is to refrain from smoking at or near the machine and keep the computer in a smoke-free environment.