Secondhand smoke is bad, we all know it. But did you know that 1 in 3 people who rent their home are exposed to secondhand smoke, as are 2 in 5 children? Too many people are exposed in their own home, which is especially harmful to children, older adults, and pets. Thankfully there is a solution. Make all indoor living spaces smokefree!

  1. Smokefree smells better! Sadly, smoke doesn’t just stink. It’s hazardous to your health. Did you know apartment and condominium residents share about 65% of the same air from unit to unit?
  2. Reduce fire danger. Safety First! Preventing a fire at home protects your loved ones and belongings. Smokefree residential buildings have fewer fires caused by cigarettes. Fires caused by smoking is a leading cause of residential fire deaths in the U.S.
  3. Healthier air for kids and pets. Small beings have tiny lungs, and are more vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Protect your children and fur babies from the dangers of breathing in toxins contained in second and thirdhand smoke.
  4. Thirdhand Smoke is for Real. Thirdhand smoke is basically aged secondhand smoke that sticks to walls, ceilings, furniture, and fabrics. As thirdhand smoke ages, it releases back into the air and takes on new, more toxic forms.
  5. Cleaner – Fewer cigarette burns, less litter from cigarette butts to clean up, and less thirdhand smoke damage – furniture, wallpaper and other furnishings last longer in smokefree environments. And for building owners, it’s just smart business to go smokefree considering how much it costs to fix an apartment with smoke damage, nicotine stains, and tar on the walls.

Bonus Reason: Better quality of life for all residents! Exposure to secondhand smoke increases ear infections, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and leads to heart disease and cancer. We have heard from people who report headaches, itchy eyes, coughing, sore throats, chronic ear infections, and much more. Residents want smokefree living environments to protect the health and comfort of themselves and their families. Smokefree buildings help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and create a healthier living environment for everyone! If a resident or one of their guests smokes, they can take it outside, away from building windows and doorways. If you want to try to kick the habit, try calling the national smoking quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or https://smokefree.gov/