Exposure to secondhand smoke causes an estimated 41,000 deaths each year among adults in the United States, which is greater than the fatalities caused by car accidents or gun violence. Secondhand smoke harms the children of Lemon Grove by increasing their risk of asthma attacks, ear infections, respiratory infections, sudden infant syndrome (SIDS), and behavioral problems [1]. There is no known safe level of exposure to this dangerous human carcinogen [2]. Up to 65% of the air in an apartment can come from other units in the building [3] and 1 in 4 nonsmokers living in rental housing are exposed to secondhand smoke [4].

By signing this petition, I support adopting an ordinance in the city of Lemon Grove prohibiting smoking in and around multi-unit housing. I am asking the Lemon Grove City Council to adopt policies that designate 100% of individual units (including balconies and patios) in multi-unit housing (MUH) complexes (with two or more attached units) and areas at least 30 feet from doors, windows, patios, and balconies as smoke-free.

Please join us and address this in Lemon Grove! I respectfully urge you to take swift action on this public health issue and help protect the citizens of Lemon Grove from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

References:
1. Tobacco-related mortality. (2018, January 17). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/

2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). The health consequences of smoking – 50 years of progress: A report of the Surgeon General.

3. Center for Energy and Environment. (2004). Reduction of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Transfer in Minnesota Multifamily Buildings Using Air Sealing and Ventilation Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.mncee.org/getattachment/Resources/Projects/Secondhand-Smoke-Research/Reduction-of-Environmental-Tobacco-Smoke-Transfer-in-Minnesota-Multifamily-Buildings-Using-Air-Sealing-and-Ventilation-Treatments.pdf.aspx

4. Tsai, J., et al. (2018). Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among Nonsmokers – United States, 1988-2014. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, 67(48), 1342-1346.