Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing

mariposa apartment Residents and smoke-free housing: survey responses

In Fall of 2019, the Mariposa County Tobacco Education Program surveyed 60 residents at three apartment complexes to gain input on knowlege, attitudes, and support (or non-support) for a county wide Smoke-free Multi-Unit Housing policy.

A typical smoke-free policy prohibits smoking in apartment units, common indoor and outdoor areas, and provides protection from the health risks known to exist from exposure to Second-hand and Third-hand smoke (see below). The survey results showed: 

  • 7 in 10 Mariposa apartment residents support a 100% Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing Policy 
  • 8 in 10 Mariposa apartment residents support a Smoke-free Policy which allows for Designated Smoking Areas
  • 60% of the residents surveyed reported cigarette smoke drifting into their apartment; and  
  • 40% of the residents surveryed have children living with them 

More results from the survey can be found here: Mariposa County Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing Profile. 

Mariposa SmokeFree MultiUnit Housing_SurveyProfile2020.08

COVID-19 & multi-unit housing living: Are you at Risk?

COVID-19 attacks the lungs. Living smokefree has never been more important. Even if you don’t smoke or vape, someone in your building might. It is always important to look after the health and well-being of our communities. But especially now when lung health is key, it’s important to keep you and your home safe. 

If you are being exposed to secondhand smoke, there are things you can do.  This could be the time to practice being a good neighbor, and reaching out might help. It doesn’t take much to give someone a better outlook during these unsettling times. Even just a simple friendly note might give them the extra encouragement to make healthy choices. TobaccoFreeCA offers this ’wellness’ postcard as a way to share overall health and wellness tips and information on the California Smokers’ Helpline, which helps people quit smoking and vaping with personalized support, and it’s free!

LOOKING FOR A SMOKE-FREE APARTMENT?

We have created a a list of apartment rental complexes in the town of Mariposa; with information on smoke-free policy status. The s listing is updated regularly when our team learns of changes.

The Mariposa County Apartment Complexes Smoke-free Policy Directory is provided as a free service to potential renters, but all rental agreements are between the tenant and the landlord.

For more information contact the Tobacco Education Program staff at (209) 347-6040

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke exposure in Multi-unit dwellings such as apartments and condominiums is unfortunately both common and also dangerous for you and your family. Secondhand smoke can drift into units through windows, doors, walls, hallways, and air ducts. This includes children, elderly, and people with disabilities. 

Thirdhand Smoke

The smoke from tobacco products sticks to indoor surfaces such as walls, windows, furniture, and floors. It does not simply blow away. All tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco have been shown to leave nicotine and/or smoke residue in indoor environments. (CDPH Thirdhand Smoke)

  • Thirdhand smoke changes over time and becomes progressively more toxic.
  • Long-term exposure to pollutants in thirdhand smoke has been shown to damage human cells and DNA.
  • Children who live in apartments show a higher level of exposure to tobacco chemicals.
  • Infants and children spend more time indoors, and Babies may ingest the chemicals in thirdhand smoke when they put toys or household objects in their mouth, and when they crawl or play on the floor.