Second-Hand Smoke in Multi-Unit Dwellings
If you are concerned about second-hand smoke (SHS) in your apartment, condominium or townhouse, you are not alone.
The OCSH regularly receives complaints from Ottawa residents who are exposed to SHS in their own homes. We believe that people should have the choice to live in buildings with no-smoking policies.
SHS that comes in from neighbouring units is a serious health concern. Exposure to SHS increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, respiratory infections, asthma attacks, lung cancer and heart disease. Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions and environmental sensitivities are especially at risk.
There is a growing demand for smoke-free housing. A survey by the Ontario Tobacco-Free Network found that almost two million people in Ontario who live in multi-unit dwellings are exposed to SHS and that 64% of these residents would chose to live in a smoke-free building.1
People are suffering in silence. They feel that they do not have a right to speak up and that they have no recourse. Many residents duct tape front doors, electrical plugs and heat vents in an attempt to block out the SHS coming in from other parts of the building. Many landlords pay higher insurance rates and spend thousands of dollars to clean and repair a unit formerly occupied by a heavy smoker.
Residents can help to raise public awareness about this issue by writing to their landlord or condominium board, their local newspaper, their city councillor, and their Member of Provincial Parliament. Share the facts about 100% smoke-free housing.
Landlords have the legal right to adopt no-smoking policies for their residential buildings, including private units. Developers can legally declare newly constructed buildings 100% smoke-free. For more information, see A Landlord's Guide to No-Smoking Policies in Ontario and Smoke-Free Policies Make Good Dollars and Sense: The Business Case for Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing.
[1]Ontario Tobacco-Free Network. Ontario Majority Wants Smoke-Free Apartments. March 27, 2007.
Here are more resources for tenants and landlords:
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