Roommates and Second Hand Smoke
Even
though you don’t smoke, your friends and roommates might. This leaves you with
the opportunity to be exposed to second hand smoke, which is proven to have
chemicals that cause cancer! These chemicals can be found both in mainstream
smoke (the smoke that a smoker exhales) as well as sidestream smoke (smoke that
floats from a burning cigarette).
The
truth is that unless you have a home that is 100% smoke free you will in fact
be exposed to second hand smoke. Even if you roommate only smokes in their room
or by an open window or door, the smoke is still able to spread throughout the
house. This is because the smoke is able to travel through doors, plumbing,
windows, heating systems AND electrical outlets! Surprising, I know!
There
are both short and long term effects of second hand smoke that will affect you
and pets as well. Short-term effects can
include dizziness, nausea, headaches and even more frequent colds! This could
lead to slowing academic and fitness activities! In the long run you can increase
risks for heart disease, respiratory disease, lung cancer and breast cancer!
So, how do you talk to a roommate about
smoking? It is best to negotiate house rules prior to moving in. These rules
can include rules regarding cleaning, guests, drugs and 100% smoke free rule!
These rules should include no indoor smoking, smoking outdoors 10m away from
doorways (smoke can travel through doors after all!) and ensuring guests follow
the same rules. You could maybe even discuss with your landlord about making a
100% smoke free policy for the entire building. Some landlords will already
have this in place!
Want
more information? Come check out our booth - we have a pamphlet about how smoke
travels through the home! Look at our facebook page for times and locations of
our booth J
References
Leave the Pack Behind – Smoke and Multi-Unit
Dwellings
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