Evicting Secondhand Smoke

Everyone has the right to breathe toxin-free air. However, for those who are living in apartment complexes, condos, or other types of shared residential buildings, smoke from a neighbor can seep into their homes and lungs. Did you know that up to 65% of the air in multi-unit complexes is circulated between units? The 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey of Colorado residents found that more than half of all residents living in multi-unit housing complexes report that smoke from neighboring units and common areas seeps into their living spaces. This exposure contributes to both acute and chronic health problems including asthma, emphysema and increased risk of certain cancers for residents. TobaccoFreeCO.org has resources to help you keep your home free of secondhand smoke, including information about how to find smoke-free multi-unit housing through www.mysmokefreehousing.com. According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, 250 of which are poisonous, and roughly 70 or which are known to cause cancer. Keeping these toxins out of your home can provide major positive health impacts for you and your family.