Secondhand smoke is a health hazard, containing over 60 known cancer-causing chemicals. Tobacco smoke can drift from unit to unit and to other parts of residential buildings (e.g. through air vents, hallways, windows, cracks, electrical outlets). Outdoor tobacco smoke can also drift into a unit.
Frequent and recurring exposure to tobacco smoke can cause asthma, heart disease, cancer, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as worsen chronic illnesses. Children, the elderly and the disabled are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure.
By signing this petition, I am asking the Pasadena City Council to adopt policies that safeguard residents from unwanted drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing.
Non-smoking sections should be made available in residential buildings just as they are in hotels. Residents should be informed where smoking/non-smoking units and areas are located.
The Campaign for Smoke-Free Choice in Pasadena Housing believes that Pasadena should join the growing number of California cities that provide residents with protections from involuntary secondhand smoke exposure in their homes.
The Facts:
- Frequent and recurring exposure to secondhand smoke can cause asthma, heart disease, cancer and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as worsen chronic illness. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable to tobacco smoke, yet the least able to avoid it.
- In residential buildings, tobacco smoke can drift from unit to unit and to other parts of the building through air vents, hallways, windows, cracks, electrical outlets. Outdoor tobacco smoke can also drift into a unit.
- At present, Pasadena residents have few, if any, protections from drifting tobacco smoke in their homes.
Do you believe that basic protections from unwanted exposure to drifting tobacco smoke are long overdue? Sign our petition and join the campaign for Smoke-Free Choice in Pasadena Housing today!
