Cancer Clouds: Effective Policies Reducing Drifting Tobacco Smoke in MUH

Cancer Clouds: Effective Policies Reducing Drifting Tobacco Smoke in MUH Statice Wilmore, BS , Pasadena Public Health Department, City of Pasadena, Pasadena, CA Lydia Acosta, Pasadena Public Health Department, City of Pasadena, Pasadena, CA Audience: Tobacco Control Programs and general public Key Points: Advocacy for health and health education Chronic disease management, prevention Public health or related public policy Educational Experience: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I manage and supervise the Pasadena Tobacco Control Program and I have 22 years of tobacco control experience. Benefits: Formulate polices that prevent drifting tobacco smoke (i.e., secondhand smoke) in Multi-Unit Housing. Identify effective strategies in working with opponents to MUH policies. Abstract: 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. Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Smoking