Disparities in Tobacco Use
Disparities in Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Secondhand smoke exposure is a significant public health issue that disproportionately affects people who are marginalized, including individuals with limited incomes, youth, and those residing in multiunit housing (Figure 2.6.1).1 Children and adults who do not smoke with limited income are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke than their counterparts with higher incomes (Figures 2.6.2 and 2.6.3). People with limited incomes often have limited access to healthcare and live in environments less likely to be covered by comprehensive smokefree policies.
Those living in multiunit housing face unique challenges when it comes to avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoke can easily travel between units through shared ventilation systems, windows, and even electrical outlets. This makes it difficult for residents who do not smoke to maintain a smoke-free environment, even within their own homes. Adopting and implementing comprehensive smoke-free policies in multiunit housing can be a critical step in protecting the health of all residents, particularly those who are marginalized and have higher rates of tobacco use and limited incomes. Encouragingly, many communities and housing authorities are increasingly recognizing the importance of such policies and are taking steps to create healthier living environments for everyone. Promisingly, the majority of residents of multiunit and other housing support policies to restrict secondhand smoke exposure in multiunit housing.2
Workplace secondhand smoke exposure has gone down, in large part due to workplace smoke-free air policies.3,4 However, disparities persist in who is exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace. In a study conducted over 2011-2015, secondhand smoke exposure was reported by 10% respondents in 2015. There were, however, differences in exposure with workers who identified as male, young, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, workers with limited education, workers with limited income, and workers residing in the Southern United States having greater levels of exposure to secondhand smoke than their counterparts.5
Those living in multiunit housing face unique challenges when it comes to avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoke can easily travel between units through shared ventilation systems, windows, and even electrical outlets. This makes it difficult for residents who do not smoke to maintain a smoke-free environment, even within their own homes. Adopting and implementing comprehensive smoke-free policies in multiunit housing can be a critical step in protecting the health of all residents, particularly those who are marginalized and have higher rates of tobacco use and limited incomes. Encouragingly, many communities and housing authorities are increasingly recognizing the importance of such policies and are taking steps to create healthier living environments for everyone. Promisingly, the majority of residents of multiunit and other housing support policies to restrict secondhand smoke exposure in multiunit housing.2
Workplace secondhand smoke exposure has gone down, in large part due to workplace smoke-free air policies.3,4 However, disparities persist in who is exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace. In a study conducted over 2011-2015, secondhand smoke exposure was reported by 10% respondents in 2015. There were, however, differences in exposure with workers who identified as male, young, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, workers with limited education, workers with limited income, and workers residing in the Southern United States having greater levels of exposure to secondhand smoke than their counterparts.5
Sources
- Kraev TA, Adamkiewicz G, Hammond SK, Spengler JD. Indoor concentrations of nicotine in low-income, multi-unit housing: associations with smoking behaviours and housing characteristics. Tob Control. 2009;18:438–44.
- Patel, M., Donovan, E.M., Liu, M., Solomon-Maynard, M. and Schillo, B.S., 2022. Policy support for smoke-free and E-cigarette free multiunit housing. American Journal of Health Promotion, 36(1), pp.106-116.
- Wortley PM, Caraballo RS, Pederson LL, et al. Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in the Workplace: Serum Cotinine by Occupation. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002; 44(6): 503-509.
- Lawhorn NA, Lirette DK, Klink JL, et al. Workplace exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smoking hospitality employees. Nicotine Tob Res 2013; 15(2):413-8.
- Dai, H., & Hao, J. (2017). The prevalence of exposure to workplace secondhand smoke in the United States: 2010 to 2015. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 19(11), 1300-1307.