The Northwestern Health Unit is asking multi-unit housing providers in the region to take steps towards making their buildings smoke-free.
The agency is teaming up with local fire departments to promote the safety and health benefits of a smoke-free environment.
Health Promoter Christine McLeod says smoking indoors is the number one source of fires in the home, but second-hand smoke is a major health risk.
McLeod stresses there’s no safe exposure to second-hand smoke and notes ventilation systems don’t adequately prevent people from being exposed.
Dryden Fire Chief Ken Kurz agrees making apartments smoke-free creates a healthier environment and helps keep residents and pets safe.
Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, of which 69 are cancer causing.
