Help Multi-Unit Housing Go Smoke-Free in Fresno County

Get a New Lease on Life: Go Smoke-Free

For people living in multi-unit housing, up to 60% of the air they breathe can come from neighboring units. If a neighbor smokes, that means they’re breathing in secondhand smoke, which can cause a variety of health problems in people of all ages..

Why should multi-unit housing be smoke-free?

Secondhand smoke can travel in multi-unit housing (such as apartments and condos) through doorways, cracks in walls, air vents, floors and even light fixtures. This smoke can cause asthma attacks, ear infections and lung problems. It can also lead to heart disease and lung cancer in adults.

Own Your Helath

Did You Know?

There’s no such thing as a “risk-free” level of exposure to secondhand smoke, no matter how healthy you may be.

FACT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 50,000 non-smokers die every year from diseases caused by secondhand smoke exposure.

FACT

Secondhand smoke leaves behind thirdhand smoke, which can stick to carpets, fixtures and walls. Thirdhand smoke contains chemicals that cause health hazards long after the secondhand smoke has cleared.

FACT

Smoking-related fires are the leading cause of fire deaths, and account for 17 percent of fire deaths in residential buildings – and $303 million in property loss every year.

FACT

About 8 in 10 multi-unit housing residents have chosen to make their own homes smoke-free.

FACT

Landlords: Going Smoke-Free Saves Money

The average cost of turning over a smoke-free unit is $5,000 less than turning over a unit where past residents have smoked. Plus, smoking-related costs such as repainting walls and replacing carpeting can cost as much as $15,000! And even when these units are cleaned, thirdhand smoke can still be present, making them less desirable.

Research shows that a majority of multi-unit housing residents want smoke-free building policies, and some insurance companies offer a “smoke-free” credit that reduces fire insurance premiums by up to 10%. It’s clear that going smoke-free is a win-win!

How You Can Help

While many communities already have laws that prohibit smoking in multi-unit housing, landlords can still voluntarily prohibit smoking. If you’re a tenant or landlord and want your housing to be smoke-free, or want to make a difference in the health of our community, download more helpful resources here. Contact us to find out how we can help implement and enforce smoke-free housing!