To the Editor:

In response to the recent article published regarding the smoking ban to be instated at the Canton Housing Authority as of January 2016, I would like to clarify a few points.

On behalf of Advancing Tobacco Free Communities, housed at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, and as the program working with the housing authority to instate the policy, I would first like to say that the Surgeon General has stated in no uncertain terms that there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke and that the only way to contain tobacco smoke is to eliminate all indoor smoking (www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/secondhandsmoke). Tobacco smoke can travel through cracks in walls, plumbing, electrical outlets, ventilation, and under doors. Some residents believe that using a towel or door guard, smoking with the window open, using a fan, or using an air purifier will contain tobacco smoke, but this is unfortunately a misconception.

Smoking in a multi-unit dwelling puts everyone living or working in the building at risk of developing tobacco related illnesses such as lung, throat, nasal, and oral cancers, emphysema, stroke, heart disease, COPD, and can exacerbate respiratory and cardiac conditions (Centers for Disease Control).

Secondly, some residents feel that their civil liberties are being infringed upon. While we are sympathetic to their feelings of being allowed to do what they please in their own home, we stand by the fact that there is no constitutional right to smoke and that smokers are not a protected class and therefore cannot be discriminated against (http://publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/resources/tclc-syn-constitution-2008.pdf). Property managers and business owners have the right to determine the rules and restrictions for their domains which may include prohibiting smoking. Smoking is not outlined as a right in the New York State Tenants’ Rights which contains standards of living that must be upheld legally by landlords (https://www.ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/pdfs/publications/Tenants_Rights.pdf).

We work with many housing authorities throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis County area as well as with private landlords and student housing. When we first start working with a multi-unit property, we distribute a survey by mail to ever single resident. However, often times, residents mistake the packet as junk mail and throw it away. Unfortunately, there is not anything we can do about this. We have had good success with the survey, often times receiving back at least 30 percent of what we sent out and we find that the surveys returned are representative of the population.

We commend the Canton Housing Authority for their commitment to the health and wellness of their tenants and staff. Implementing a smoke-free policy is a critical step in reducing turnover costs, preventing fires, and most importantly, ensuring that every resident can breathe clean air that will not cause illness and disease. Smoke-free policies are being implemented all over the state and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been moving towards a mandate for all federally assisted housing to go smoke free for years. When such a mandate is released, smoke-free policies at these properties will be law. These policies are for the benefit of the majority of residents.

We are not asking anyone to quit smoking, as smokers will still be able to smoke outdoors at least 25 feet from the building. However, we can provide information on quitting to those who would like to use this as an opportunity to quit. Any questions regarding smoke-free housing may be directed to Community Engagement Coordinator, Chelsea Bartlett at cbartlett@svpc.net or Program Assistant, Elizabeth Billings at ebillings@svpc.net. Both can be reached at (315) 713-4861.

Elizabeth Billings, Program Assistant, Advancing Tobacco Free Communities

Seaway Valley Prevention Council

Ogdensburg