Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is estimated that 60,000 people die annually from diseases caused by secondhand smoke, with hundreds of thousands more suffering ill effects from exposure. Multi-unit apartments can be a particular challenge for dealing with this significant health and nuisance problem.

Tobacco smoke from one unit may seep through cracks, be circulated by a shared ventilation system, or otherwise enter the living space of another. You may wonder what you can do to solve this problems. The resources listed on the right can guide you to an informed decision about corrective actions to take.

For more information phone:

Roberta Kowald
Kitsap County Health District
360-337-5257

Survey of Local Renters:

More than 1,000 renters in Pierce and Kitsap Counties were surveyed as part of a project looking at the impacts of secondhand tobacco smoke in March 2003. The goal was to determine the number of renters exposed to secondhand smoke from outside their residences and their attitudes about smoke-free apartments.

Survey findings:

• 42% of respondents report that smoke gets into their unit from somewhere else in or around the building.
  
• 72% of residents who have secondhand smoke coming into their homes say that it bothers them and 7% report that they are so bothered that they are thinking about moving.
  
• Young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are at particular risk because of the negative impacts on immature or compromised lungs. Almost half of the households with these vulnerable populations experience secondhand smoke infiltrating their home.
  
• Minorities, low-income housing tenants and young children are more likely to suffer. Apartment residents who live in low-income housing, people of color, or children under the age of five are more likely to encounter the seepage of secondhand smoke into their homes.
  
• Most tenants want to breathe clean air in their homes. Two-thirds of multifamily rental residents are interested in living in smoke-free housing.
  
• More than three-quarters of renters say they are likely to choose a non-smoking building over a similar building that allows smoking. Almost half of renters would pay more to live where smoking was not allowed.