Our Smokefree Housing Work in Alaska

The American Lung Association in Alaska advocates for and assists with
implementation of smokefree housing policies throughout the state.
We believe that everyone has the right to breathe clean air, especially at home.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

There is great disparity in tobacco use among diverse Alaskan populations. Tobacco use affects both those who use tobacco and nicotine products and those who are exposed to smoke, aerosol (from vaping), and other byproducts when tobacco or nicotine products are used.
Secondhand smoke (SHS) is responsible for at least 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths each year.
In Alaska, approximately 9,560 children experience SHS exposure in their homes. Children exposed to SHS are more likely to suffer from a variety of lung diseases, like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Secondhand e-cigarette aerosol contains ultrafine particles, nicotine, and other chemicals that are known to be harmful to health.
Secondhand marijuana smoke has been found to contain many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals as cigarette smoke, some of which are at higher amounts.
Smokefree policies have been shown to
- Improve peoples’ health
- Decrease business costs for insurance, cleaning, maintenance and turnover.
- Decrease the chance of fire. Smoking materials are a leading cause of both home fires and home fire deaths in Alaska and the United States.

ALASKAN PREFERENCES

Most Alaskans know that secondhand smoke exposure is harmful to health. This ranges from 60% for marijuana to 94% for cigarette. (81% said nicotine vapor is harmful).
Most Alaskan adults think people should be protected from air contaminants. It starts at 84% for marijuana smoke, 87% for e-cigarette vapor, and 93% for cigarette smoke.
About 28%, or 151,000 of Alaskan adults, are exposed to secondhand smoke, aerosol, or marijuana at home. They are more likely to be exposed to marijuana than tobacco byproduct. Renters are also more likely to be exposed; though homeowners, are as well.
However, 48% of landlords have rules for smoking on property. The disparity: 54% have rules for tobacco, but 42% have rules for marijuana.

OUR STRATEGIES

Most Alaskans prefer living in smokefree environments. Currently, 48% of renters reported that their landlord has rules about smoking on their property. Therefore, we work to:

Provide education on the advantages to smokefree housing.
Educate and assist renters, staff, and visitors who are experiencing secondhand smoke exposure in their home.
Educate, support, and assist with efforts to adopt and implement comprehensive smokefree policies.
Develop and maintain a housing directory to highlight multi-unit rental properties in Alaska that offer smokefree options for residents.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. We focus on these strategic imperatives; to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. Learn more about the American Lung Association in Alaska >>