Open AccessSecond and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure, Attitudes and Protective Practices: Results from a Survey of Hispanic Residents in Multi-unit Housing
Author(s) -
Angélica Delgado-Rendón,
Tess Boley Cruz,
Daniel W. Soto,
Lourdes BaezcondeGarbanati,
Jennifer B. Unger
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-016-0540-x
Subject(s) - medicine , environmental health , psychological intervention , secondhand smoke , public health , third hand smoke , smoke , apartment , cigarette smoke , geography , nursing , meteorology , sidestream smoke , civil engineering , engineering
Secondhand and third hand smoke (SHS, THS) exposure is prevalent in multi-unit housing (MUH). Minorities and low-income MUH residents are disproportionally exposed to SHS and THS compared to other populations. This study describes the characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to SHS, THS and marijuana smoke exposure (MSHS) of a sample of Hispanic tenants in randomly selected MUH units in eastern metro Los Angeles (n = 402). Although most participants (97%) banned smoking inside their homes, 80% reported infiltration of SHS inside their apartments within the last year. Most (85%) favored a complete ban on smoking in apartment buildings. Twenty-eight percent did not know that marijuana (MSHS) smoke exposure is also harmful to their health. Knowledge scores were higher among Spanish-speakers (p < 0.05). Given the interpersonal barriers to advocating for change, widespread policy and communication interventions are also necessary to protect Hispanic MUH residents' rights to clean air in their living space.