Second-hand Smoke in Apartments and Condominiums

If you are concerned about second-hand smoke (SHS) in your home, you are not alone. The OCSH regularly receives complaints from Ottawa residents who are exposed to SHS in their own homes.

SHS that comes in from neighbouring units is a serious health concern that affects many Ottawa residents. Children, the elderly, and people with medical conditions including asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities are especially at risk.

A 2006 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, entitled The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to SHS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated SHS as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Children who are exposed to SHS are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and asthma attacks. Exposure to SHS causes heart disease and lung cancer in adults.

People are suffering in silence, thinking that there is nothing that can be done, or that they do not have a right to speak up. Many residents resort to duct taping front doors, electrical plugs and heat vents in an attempt to block out the SHS that comes into their apartment from neighbouring unites. Many landlords face higher insurance costs and clean up costs if tenants have smoked in their units.

The OCSH believes that everyone should have the choice to live in a home that is 100% free of SHS.

Now that Ontarians enjoy 100% smoke-free workplaces and public places, many individuals are increasingly concerned about exposure to tobacco smoke in their home. According to a survey commissioned by the Ontario Tobacco-Free Network, almost two million Ontarians living in multi-unit dwellings are exposed to SHS in their homes, and 64% of survey respondents would choose a smoke-free building over one where smoking is permitted. [1]

There is a growing demand for smoke-free housing across Canada. Globe General Agencies, Winnipeg's largest landlord, went smoke-free last fall. Sussex Realty in Vancouver is currently building Envy, a "green" condominium that will be 100% smoke-free.

You can help us to raise public awareness about this issue. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, write a letter to your city councillor or Member of Provincial Parliament, or write a letter to your landlord or condominium board and share the facts about 100% smoke-free housing.

We are collecting stories from individuals who are affected in order to help raise awareness about this issue. Raising awareness among the public, media and decision-makers is the first step in creating smoke-free housing. We want to hear from you if you are exposed to SHS in your apartment or condominium building.

[1]Ontario Tobacco-Free Network. Ontario Majority Wants Smoke-Free Apartments. March 27, 2007.