Cancer clouds: Effective policies to reduce drifting tobacco smoke in the home

Although Californians have extensive protections from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke where they work, eat and play, many are still exposed to secondhand smoke where they live. Studies have shown that tobacco smoke can travel through a building, via air conditioning units, vents, balconies and patios, affecting other residents. Residents report they are suffering from cancer clouds lingering and/or drifting into their homes and many have experienced health problems, poorer quality of life, and reduced overall habitability of their residences.

The Pasadena experience will demonstrate how to develop, implement, and enforce effective Multi-unit Housing (MUH) policies that reduce secondhand smoke exposure in places where people live. These MUH policies included input from 14 impacted relevant MUH housing entities and reflects a comprehensive approach to address this very complex public health issue.