Love Your Neighbors by Going Smokefree

Over the past month, freezing temperatures and icy conditions have kept many of us indoors. For some, that means extra time with loved ones, self-care, or finally picking up a new hobby. But for far too many people living in multi-unit housing, staying inside comes with a major health risk: secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke exposure occurs when smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or hookah, is breathed in by people nearby. In apartment buildings, your neighbors’ choices don’t always stay behind closed doors. Secondhand smoke travels through doors, cracks, and vents, exposing neighbors who may have never used a tobacco product themselves. Opening windows, using odor eliminators, or running air purifiers may mask the smell, but they do not eliminate the health risks.

Breathing secondhand smoke is dangerous. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. Exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, and other serious health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 2.5 million nonsmokers have died from secondhand smoke exposure since 1964. In New York, nearly 2,000 deaths each year are attributable to secondhand smoke, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Infants and children are especially vulnerable. Exposure puts them at higher risk for respiratory infections, ear infections, coughing, shortness of breath, and worsened asthma symptoms. Older adults and people living with asthma, heart disease, or other disabilities also face heightened risks. Even pets can also suffer serious health consequences from secondhand smoke.

A lesser-known consequence of smoking indoors is thirdhand smoke, the toxic residue that clings to walls, carpets, furniture, clothing, and other surfaces. These chemicals can linger for weeks, months or even years, even after regular cleaning. Over time, thirdhand smoke mixes with common air pollutants in the environment to create new toxic chemicals.

POW’R Against Tobacco is committed to increasing the number of smoke-free multi-unit housing properties throughout the Hudson Valley. If you live in a building without a comprehensive smoke-free policy, we may be able to help. We provide free education and technical assistance to tenants, cooperative and condo associations, and property managers interested in adopting or strengthening smoke-free policies. In addition to protecting the health of residents, these policies may reduce maintenance costs and fire risk for property owners. Visit TobaccoFreeNYS.org for more information.

If you live with someone who uses tobacco or nicotine products, or if you use them yourself, help is available. The New York State Quitline offers free, confidential resources to support adults who want to quit. It is never too late. When someone quits smoking, they’re not just protecting their health, but also the health of their family, friends, pets, and neighbors. Visit nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS for more information.