A smoke-free policy protects residents and decreases property maintenance costs
The US Surgeon General reports there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke.
- Secondhand smoke contains more than 7000 toxic compounds.
- Secondhand smoke causes many health problems including lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease in adults, and asthma attacks in children.
- Secondhand smoke can travel within multiunit housing and common areas through doorways electrical lines, ventilation and plumbing systems.
- There are more than 4,800 smoke-free apartment buildings in Minnesota, including all Minneapolis Public Housing Authority buildings.
- Smoking is the number one cause of fire death in Minnesota.
The Minneapolis Health Department launched the Smoke-free Housing campaign after conducting a Smoke-Free Rental Housing Survey , which showed that one-third do not have a policy requiring people to smoke outside. In subsidized rental housing for low-income renters, there are even fewer smoke-free options. Only 38% of these properties have smoke-free policies.
The goals of the campaign are
- Encourage property owners and renters to pursue smoke-free rental housing.
- Thank people who smoke for protecting their neighbors from secondhand smoke.
Assistance for Property Owners/Managers
Contact the Healthy Living Team for access to resources and technical assistance by sending an email to healthyliving@minneapolismn.gov
- One-on-One assistance for transitioning to a smoke-free property.
- The step-by-step process, surveys of buildings, etc.
- Clarification regarding Minnesota laws about smoking indoors.
- Ideas and resources for encouraging renter compliance with a new/existing policy.
- Free posters, postcards, door hangers, and lawn signs are available.
Assistance for renters
- Tips and resources for approaching your property owner/manager.
- Health Department outreach to property owners/managers.
- A list of smoke-free rental properties.
Thinking About Quitting
- Quit Partner Can Help!
Quit Partner provides free coaching, email and text support, and quit medication (nicotine patches, gum or lozenges) delivered by mail.
Visit www.QuitPartnerMN.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Additional resources