Clean Air and Secondhand Smoke

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Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk that affects everyone, not just the person smoking. It is the smoke exhaled by a smoker and the smoke released from the burning end of tobacco products, and it contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and at least 70 that are known to cause cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It can cause heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer in adults, and it is especially harmful for children. In youth, exposure increases the risk of asthma attacks, respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies. Creating smoke-free environments at home, in vehicles, and in public spaces helps protect the health of families and communities and supports cleaner air for everyone.

Colorado Clean Air Act

The Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act requires most indoor workplaces and public places to be smoke- and vapor-free.

Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act. (PDF)

Smoke and vapor-free spaces included in the Colorado Clean Indoor Act include:

  • restaurants
  • bars
  • casinos
  • indoor sports arenas and auditoriums
  • health care facilities
  • child day care facilities
  • entryways of any covered facilities

How to report an indoor smoking violation?

Violations include:

  • A restaurant, office, or other public establishment where staff are violating or failing to enforce a smoke-free or vape-free policy.
  • A complaint or concern about secondhand smoke in a public multi-unit housing facility, like an apartment building.

Report a Smoking or Vaping Violation

Landlords

Did you know Secondhand smoke does not stay contained to one unit in multi-unit housing. It can travel through ventilation systems, cracks in walls, open windows, plumbing, and shared spaces, exposing neighboring residents to harmful chemicals.

More than just an inconvenience, secondhand smoke can seriously impact health—especially for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people living with chronic health conditions. Smoke can also cause damage to apartments and adjoining units, drastically increasing cleaning, maintenance, and repair costs for property owners and tenants alike.

Implementing a smoke-free housing policy is one of the most effective ways to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, protect residents’ health, and help preserve the condition of the property. For more information on Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing , check out the Colorado Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Resource Packet

Residents

Secondhand smoke can be a nuisance for those who don’t smoke or vape, and for those who do, especially indoors, not only is it a nuisance for your neighbor, but can lead to serious health problems in your home and the homes of others. WCTEPP encourages residents to utilize the reporting form if you are having issues with secondhand smoke or vape in your multi-unit housing dwelling. Remember, smoke-free living doesn’t require people to quit smoking, it provides protection to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Start the conversation with your community and contact WCTEPP for additional resources, education, and support.

Resources:

Safe Vape Disposal

Despite their name, disposable vapes are not truly disposable. Vape components including lithium-ion batteries, plastic, and liquid nicotine can pose serious safety and environmental risks when improperly discarded. These hazards include battery fires, nicotine leaching into soil, and the breakdown of plastics into microplastics.

To help protect our communities and environment, many Colorado counties, including Weld County, are working to promote safe vape disposal. Residents can dispose of vapes at one of Weld County’s two Household Hazardous Waste facilities. Visit their website for disposal guidelines, accepted materials, and additional information: https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/Environmental-Health-Services/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Disposal

 

Contact

Youth Prevention & Tobacco-Free Schools Coordinator
Giovanna Castro, MPH, CHES®, TTS
Phone:970-400-2242
Email: Gcastro@weld.gov 

Ready to “Kick the Nic”?

Text “Start My Quit” to 36072

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