Oral

This session looks at advances in smokefree housing policies. It is well known that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke and if smoking is allowed in a multi-unit housing building, the toxic secondhand smoke chemicals are exchanged between units. In 2009, HUD issued a notice that encouraged public housing authorities to institute smoke-free policies in some or all of their units; however, many localities began considering, or implemented, bans prior to 2009. Richmond, California is one of the first communities in the country to enact simultaneously a comprehensive package of tobacco control laws. These laws include a novel approach to reduce secondhand smoke exposure by making it illegal to smoke tobacco products in multi-unit housing. San Mateo County Tobacco Prevention Program has prioritized social norm change around smoke-free housing.

Session Objectives: Describe efforts to implement smoke-free policies in public housing. Describe efforts to publicize the benefits of smoke-free policies in public housing.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)