Second Hand Smoke

Secondhand smoke, the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers, is harmful to everyone. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 of which can cause cancer. There is no safe or risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. 

Have a secondhand smoke complaint or violation?
Report it through 311 or through our online form.

 

Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act

The City and County of Denver addresses all secondhand smoke exposure complaints through education, mediation and enforcement. The Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act (CCIAA) regulates smoking of all tobacco and nicotine products indoors and within 25 feet of any main entryway. Updated in 2019, the CCIAA now includes vaping in general restrictions along with hotel/motel being removed from the exempt list. 

DDPHE's Tobacco Team follows up with residents who report secondhand smoke exposure complaints through 3-1-1 or through our online form. In cases where there is a CCIAA violation, DDPHE issues a warning letter, notifying owners that they may be in violation of state law. In cases where education and/or mediation have been exhausted and a violation of the CCIAA is still occurring, DDPHE notifies the Denver Police Department (DPD) as they have ultimate enforcement authority.

If you or anyone you know experiences a secondhand smoke exposure or potential violation either near the entrance to a public building or multi-unit housing, please call 311 or report a concern here. Denver Department of Public Health & Environment engages property owners and authorities as necessary to enforce local laws or assist with the implementation of a smoke-free policy. When looking for a place to live, tenants should proactively seek properties with smoke-free policies in place

 

Resources for Tenants

Anyone living in multi-unit housing — including apartments, condos and some subsidized housing — could be exposed to smoke or vape in the air that is shared between units. Not all housing facilities enforce smoke-free policies.

In multi-unit housing, some tenants are also exposed to third-hand smoke, which develops when gasses and small particles in cigarette smoke are deposited on the surfaces they come in contact with. Toxins can stay on walls, furniture and cabinets indefinitely and form cancer-causing compounds, increasing in toxicity over time. Tenants who are not sure about the smoking policy in their community should reach out to their property manager.

Looking for smoke-free housing? 
Find smoke-free housing today.

Resources for Housing Providers

Secondhand smoke can drift between units in a multi-unit dwelling. Adopting a smoke-free policy is the only way to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing.

Reasons to Explore Smoke-Free Housing

  • Reduce operating costs: Cleaning and repair of a smoking unit can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Tenants prefer smoke-free housing: The majority of residents in market rate and affordable housing in Colorado want smoke-free policies where they live.
  • Tenant health improves with smoke-free housing: Up to 65% of air can recirculate to other units in a multi-unit building. Even small exposures can cause health complications. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Other benefits: 1 in every 20 fires (5%) are started by smoking materials.  You can reduce your liability and chances of fire and you might qualify for reduced insurance premiums if you implement a smoke-free policy.

    Find 20 Reasons to go Smoke-free(PDF, 652KB)

     

    Ready to transition to smoke-free housing? Use this toolkit to get started.

     

    Use this signage for the main entryway to your building:  

     Smoke free sign                          Outdoor smoke free sign in Spanish
              English                                            Español

     

    For more information on smoke-free housing, or if you need assistance in implementing a smoke-free policy, please email CBHTobaccoProgram@denvergov.org.

     

     

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