When Home Isn’t Safe
With more than 7,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke—and about 70 of which are known to cause cancer—any exposure to it all isn’t safe.1 While you may know that your home can be a source of secondhand smoke if you live with someone who smokes, did you know you could also be at risk if you live in an apartment building with neighbors who smoke? That’s because of shared airflow, and shared secondhand smoke.
This can pose a risk to children and older family members who spend time at home. Sometimes they don’t even have a choice about breathing in secondhand smoke. For the sake of your health and the health of those you love, it’s worth it to ask yourself if your home is truly safe.
Who is at Risk?
Everyone in the house, but especially children and elderly adults.6
Where are They Exposed?
In every room in the house.2
How Does it Happen?
- Studies have shown that the groups most vulnerable to secondhand smoke include children, older adults and people with respiratory illnesses.5
- 50 percent of all U.S. children ages 3-18 are exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis, either at home or in places that still allow smoking.3
- Children are least able to protect themselves from the dangers of secondhand smoke.6
In apartment buildings, as much as 65 percent of air is shared between units3. If your apartment community isn’t smoke-free, you could be breathing in secondhand smoke.2
What You Can Do
There are many things that you can do to stop secondhand smoke from hurting you or the ones you love. Take action today:
- Find smoke-free housing
- Stop secondhand smoke in your building
- Talk to your property manager or owner about smoke-free living
