Second-hand Smoke

By Coral Sisk, WHF Associate

Research on secondhand smoke exposure shows that carcinogenic compounds enter the bodies of non-smokers and can increase their risk for chronic disease [1]. Washington State has adopted tobacco bans in public spaces such as restaurants, bars, and workplaces in order to limit second-hand smoke exposure. Now an increasing number of people are demanding that they have the same protection from secondhand smoke in their homes. Many people living in apartments have chronic health conditions like asthma and suffer serious problems when even small amounts of smoke drift into their units. Apartment and condominium owners around the state are creating no-smoking policies for their multi-unit housing complexes. These policies protect people from smoke drifting into their homes while they reduce cleaning costs and risks from fire damage.

In addition to protecting non-smokers, restrictions on where people can smoke is an evidence based, public health strategy for reducing tobacco use. By limiting smoking in public spaces, tobacco use becomes more inconvenient. In 2010, smoking has become less socially desirable and less acceptable than in the past. There is strong public support for keeping secondhand smoke away from vulnerable populations such as children. By cutting down on the amount of smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke we are helping Washington move up the healthiest state index.

The Healthiest State Campaign with help from the Washington State Department of Health is reaching out to communities across the state to build a broad-based public/private partnership to prevent chronic diseases. It is all about exploring together the best ways to make healthy choices about diet, exercise and tobacco the easy choices.

To learn more about the Healthiest Communities Partnership, click here.

Reference:

1. Second Hand Smoke: Questions & Answers:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS