This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Secondhand Smoke

April 7, 2014 

In recognition of National Public Health Week, it is important to pause our busy schedules and reflect on the significant progress we have made towards healthy living. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Surgeon General’s Report on the dangers of smoking, and over the past half century we have seen an incredible decline in smoking rates. We also experienced an increase in evidence about the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke.

As part of National Public Health Week, we can celebrate the landmark achievements of public smoking bans and declining smoking rates, which together improve the health of smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers. Despite this progress, tobacco smoke continues to be a serious health problem within many multi-unit homes. Evidence shows that ventilation systems cannot protect residents in multi-unit housing from the toxic smoke that comes from smoking in another apartment. Smoke travels between cracks in the walls, under doors, and through openings from one unit to another, putting non-smokers in danger. There is particular risk for children, the elderly, and those with chronic health problems.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is important for both property owners and tenants to understand not only the health benefits of smoke-free housing policies, but that such policies are completely legal and show cost-savings. Resources for education and technical assistance are available for landlords who are interested in creating a smoke-free environment in their building. For more information, visit http://www.makesmokinghistory.org or contact Bonny Carroll with the 6 City Tobacco Control Collaborative at 617-625-6600 x 4300.

 

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?