Letter: Secondhand smoke effects

We encourage support in creating a smoke-free environment in San Mateo County, especially for the renter population. This issue is important to us because we live in a multi-unit apartment complex. We grew up and live with families and children affected and have to deal with the consequences of secondhand smoke. Those who smoke do not realize that the ventilation system goes to everyone else and that an apartment complex has more than just shared walls; we share the air too. As youth advocates, we have learned this information through the Project CASA campaign that has advocated for apartment residents to have smoke-free homes. By attending several events in collaboration with the Tobacco Education Coalition and having the opportunity to speak at city council meetings, we are actively involved in learning more about the damaging effects of secondhand smoke in the San Mateo County. Additionally, the San Mateo Asthma Coalition details how secondhand smoke causes health issues that may affect people without them even knowing it. For example, Scott Morrow, the health officer for San Mateo County, has said, “Babies and children exposed to secondhand smoke have higher rates of ear infections, asthma and other upper respiratory illnesses.” Secondhand smoke can affect people of all genders, races, ages and people. Once again, as youth in San Mateo County, we ask for your support to make smoke-free apartments a reality.

The Tobacco Education Coalition has led efforts to support adoption of smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinances in the following jurisdictions: Foster City, unincorporated San Mateo County, Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo and Belmont.

James Jirachaishul and Annette Salgado

South San Francisco