It’s no surprise: smoking tobacco is bad for you. Countless studies and warnings issued by the United States government, the American Lung Association, and the Centers for Disease Control all show that inhaling cigarette smoke is detrimental to your health.
Despite the medical evidence, nearly 30 percent of Americans still smoke. And with millions of smokers out there, chances are you may have to live with or near one of them. Though you may not be able to avoid the smoker, there are a few things you can do to lessen your exposure to secondhand smoke.
How to avoid a roommate’s secondhand smoke
The best way to avoid breathing secondhand smoke is to avoid smoking yourself and try to convince those around you to quit. But those options obviously aren’t viable in all cases.
If your roommate or partner smokes, ask him if he’ll confine his smoking to an outdoor space like a balcony or porch. The farther he is from non-smokers (and from the open windows of non-smokers), the better for everyone’s health.
The interior of your apartment is one of the most important places to keep smoke-free, especially if you have children living in your home. Kids who inhale cigarette smoke regularly are at risk of developing respiratory infections or severe asthma in addition to many other health conditions. It’s best to maintain a smoke-free environment for them and for you.
Set up clear ground rules about where and when your roommate or partner can smoke around the apartment. Make arrangements you can both live with. Clear communication is the best way to solve problems with your roommate.
Keep the air clean in your apartment
If you are still bothered by cigarette smoke after you and your roommate have made a smoking agreement, you can try buying an air purifier for your apartment. Research shows that air purifiers can be effective at removing secondhand smoke from household air. An air purifier can not only make the air in your apartment smell fresher, but it can also reduce allergens from secondhand smoke that can make you sick.
What to do when a neighbor’s smoke bothers you
If a neighbor’s cigarette smoke regularly drifts past your balcony, windows, or front door, take a similar approach as with a roommate. Even though you may be upset, talk to your neighbor in a calm manner and explain the issue the next time you see him. Most smokers understand that non-smokers are bothered by cigarette smoke, and your neighbor will likely adjust his habits as a courtesy to you.
If a few conversations with your neighbor get you nowhere or turn combative, it may be time to turn to your apartment community manager. As long as your neighbor is allowed to smoke in his apartment, he’s not breaking any rules. But if he does smoke in an area that the apartment community has designated as smoke-free, your apartment manager can help enforce the rules in a professional way. Because smoking is not illegal, however, there is only so much your apartment manager can do about the situation.
When you’re trying to avoid a roommate’s or neighbor’s cigarette smoke, the important thing to remember is to stay calm and maintain a respectful demeanor with the smoker. Smoking may be harmful to your health, but choosing to smoke is still a lifestyle choice that everyone has the freedom to make. With patience and understanding, you’ll likely work out a reasonable solution that will both respect the smoker’s rights and help keep you healthy, as well.
