Leaving No Tenant Exposed: Creating Smoke-Free Public Housing

Audience: Tobacco control professionals interested in creating smoke-free Public Housing Authorities. Key Points: 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 building, the toxic secondhand smoke chemicals can move with the up to 65% of air being exchanged between units. Studies have shown that the majority of tenants would prefer to live in a smoke-free environment but what if you don’t have the means to move to a smoke-free housing complex? For those living in public housing, smoke-free housing policy change is a needed and effective way to protect from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. By following proven strategies, it is possible through voluntary policy change to make smoke-free public housing a reality. Through collaboration, stakeholder engagement, proper messaging and policy implementation support, Maine, Minnesota and Oregon have supported their state’s Public Housing Authorities to adopt policies. In Maine 100% of the Public Housing Authorities are smoke-free, 49 PHAs in Minnesota have adopted strong policies and 14 in Oregon are protecting tenants from secondhand smoke. Educational Experience: Participants will hear success stories and tips for addressing involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke in public housing. Benefits: Public Housing Authorities strive to provide safe and affordable housing, something that smoke-free housing policies can assist with. Adoption of a smoke-free policy will remove harmful secondhand smoke from the housing complex, reduce the risk of fire and fire death and greatly decrease unit turnover costs.