Lung Association supports smoke-free apartments
Imagine not being able to breathe in your own home. That’s the reality facing residents with lung illnesses exposed to secondhand smoke in apartment complexes.
The American Lung Association supports the recent commentary by the California Health Collaborative encouraging more cities in the Fresno region to adopt smoke-free multi-unit housing policies.
The U.S. Surgeon General has long stated that there is no safe exposure to secondhand smoke. It is toxic and can be deadly, especially for those suffering from asthma and other lung disease.
It’s not fair to those who must put their health at risk in their own homes because of someone else’s habit. In most cases, those suffering from secondhand smoke exposure don’t have the means to move.
Exploring smoke-free, multi-unit housing policies is an opportunity for cities to show they’re committed to improving public health in their communities and the Lung Association stands ready to help.
Justina Felix, Fresno
This story was originally published June 18, 2017 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Lung Association supports smoke-free apartments."