Rhode Island

Cindy in Rhode Island shared her story with us to amplify the need for smokefree multi-unit housing. She wrote:

ANR’s work resonates deeply with me as I live in low-income housing where smoking is prohibited. The tenant who lives beneath me is a heavy smoker, but management has admitted their hands are tied. The ongoing smoking leaves me and others in my building feeling helpless in our efforts to protect our health. I’ve had two episodes of pleurisy—one of which required an emergency room visit—as well as asthma and post-nasal drip. I have to use an emergency inhaler, which so far, in 8 months since my diagnosis, I only have had to use while in my apartment. Nonsmokers should have the right to breathe smokefree air in their homes.

In this day and age, no one should have to fight so hard to safeguard their health and well-being. Nonsmokers have the right to protection and to live without being harmed by secondhand smoke.

See the photos I shared to show the evidence of smoking. The first photo shows the vent in my bathroom. One side of the vent is where air is sucked up to alleviate steam from the shower. The other side is where smoke enters my apartment. The second photo shows the outside of my building. The window belongs to the tenant below me who continues to smoke inside.

The other reason I support ANR and the ANR Foundation is because of the CEASE movement. I know Vanessa Baker, who is a strong supporter of the cause here in Rhode Island and I support them when I can! See Vanessa’s story on our YouTube channel.

My hope in sharing my story is that it helps others who are also exposed. I’m working on further steps with ANR’s help and resources. Thank you ANR for all you do to help non-smokers breathe easier!

Cindy appeared with us as a panelist on our Day of Breathing event and is a Frequent Breather and donates a small amount every month to help ANR continue the fight for everyone to have smokefree air!

RESOURCES

For more information about secondhand smoke in housing: no-smoke.org/homes

Links for landlords, tips for enforcement of smokefree policies, and more

NEW Check out our short video that has 7 things you can do if you’re experiencing secondhand smoke in your apartment or condo.