Keep Your Home Contaminant Free
Keep It Smoke-Free
Keeping your apartment and this community smoke-free is good for you, your family, and your fellow residents. Make sure to follow the smoke-free policy for your health.
Smoking is one of the biggest health risks in your home, and it affects everyone living there and your neighbors as well. Boston Housing Authority (BHA) implemented a Smoke-Free Housing Policy on September 30, 2012, which prohibits smoking in resident apartments.
Secondhand smoke, either within the home or from a neighbor's home, can affect your health and the health of your family. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke.
Children and those with breathing problems like asthma are especially sensitive to the effects of secondhand smoke.
Smoking is a major cause of fires within multi-family buildings.
What Does the Smoke-Free Policy Mean?
Smoke-free housing means that no one is permitted to smoke anywhere inside the apartment building or outside within a certain distance of the buildings. The non-smoking policy applies to every member of the household, as well as all visitors. This policy does not mean that residents who smoke cannot reside in the housing properties – they just cannot smoke in non-smoking designated areas.
Violating the policy by smoking in non-designated areas is a lease violation and could result in eviction or a fine. While quitting smoking can be difficult, there are resources available to help. If this is something you are interested in, see management regarding available services to help you quit.
Avoid Dangerous Chemicals
Air fresheners, pesticides, and cleaning products contain chemicals that can affect your health. Any chemical released into the air when you spray or pump can enter your body as you breathe. There are simple ways to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Avoid air fresheners and scented candles. These products only cover bad odors and can release chemicals into your home. Just because your home smells strongly of flowers or lemon does not mean that it’s clean.
Cleaning products should always be used as directed and in well-ventilated areas.
Do not use pesticides in your home – leave this to the pest contractor. Pesticides may seem to work at first. But the same chemicals that kill insects and rodents are also dangerous for people, especially children and seniors. Additionally, over the counter products may make pest management efforts by BHA less effective.