Prevalence of Involuntary Environmental Cannabis and Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Multi-Unit Housing.

Alanna K Chu,Pamela Kaufman,Michael Chaiton

doi:10.3390/ijerph16183332

Abstract

No research has examined the prevalence of involuntary cannabis exposure in the home within the context of multi-unit housing (MUH). The 2017 cycle of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor population RDD survey included measures of environmental cannabis smoke (ECS) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for Ontario, Canada. These ECS measures were defined for those who did not live in a detached dwelling self-reporting noticing any tobacco or cannabis smoke enter the home from a neighboring unit or from outside the building at least once in the past 6 months. Overall, 6.6% (95% CI: 4.5–9.5%) and 7.5% (9% CI: 5.4–10.4%) of the population reported being exposed to ETS and ECS in MUH respectively. Individuals exposed to ECS were single, had used cannabis in the past 12 months, and had lower household incomes. The prevalence of involuntary exposure to cannabis smoke is similar to exposure to tobacco smoke. Exposure correlates were primarily associated with characteristics of those who lived in MUH who tend to be members of more vulnerable populations.

Highlights

Multi-unit housing (MUH) is predominant in many urban regions in North America and includes semi-detached homes, townhouses, apartment buildings and condominiums
6.6% and 7.5% of the population reported being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and environmental cannabis smoke (ECS) respectively
728,000 individuals exposed to ETS and 827,000 individuals exposed to ECS

Summary

Introduction

Multi-unit housing (MUH) is predominant in many urban regions in North America and includes semi-detached homes, townhouses, apartment buildings and condominiums. MUH is unique in that different households share the same indoor air which means that the behaviors in one household have the potential to directly impact other households in the building. This is of particular concern when occupant behavior such as smoking tobacco, cannabis or other products impacts the experience and health of other residents [3]. A study of secondhand smoke exposure among MUH residents in California found that some participants perceived the transfer of ECS into their unit as a nuisance and health hazard [8]

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