Unequal Protection: Secondhand Smoke Threatens Health of Tenants in Multi-Unit Housing in Los Angeles

Policy Brief UCLA Cent Health Policy Res. 2016 Mar:(PB2016-2):1-8.

Abstract

Secondhand smoke is dangerous to a person's health at any level of exposure. Yet policies that prevent smoking are not in place for a majority of market-rate multi-unit housing complexes, according to a new survey of nearly 1,000 apartment dwellers in the city of Los Angeles. Approximately 37 percent of respondents reported that secondhand smoke had drifted into their apartments in the past year. Households with members of vulnerable populations, such as children or individuals with chronic conditions, are more likely to report smoke drifting from adjacent units. Four out of five respondents--including more than half of those who self-reported currently smoking--supported a smoke-free policy in common areas and/or individual units.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / adverse effects*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Health Policy
  • Housing / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Public Housing
  • Smoking
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control
  • United States
  • Vulnerable Populations

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution