Housing Complexes Going Smoke Free

ST.GEORGE, UT- While living in a smoke free home is something most of us take for granted, people living in multiple-unit housing may not always have a choice. Secondhand smoke can seep into neighboring apartments through windows and ventilation systems. Fortunately, many housing complexes - like Riverside Apartments in St. George - have been making the switch to become smoke free with updated smoking policies.

 “Smoking is now allowed only in a designated area instead of just outside the door,” says Ingrid, manager of Riverside Apartments. “People have been very cooperative, we haven’t had a problem.” She reports that one smoking tenant has even thanked her for the new policy because it has helped him decrease his smoking.

There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure, which can cause heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems. Children are especially vulnerable, and while most Utah children live in smoke free homes, over 14,000 still live in an environment where they breathe secondhand smoke.  

Many housing complexes throughout the community are introducing policies to protect all their residents from smoke hazards. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department is offering free information to help managers implement tobacco free policies for their properties. For more information, contact Audrie Frehner at 435-986-2567 or afrehner@swuhealth.org.

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