The North Valley Tobacco Project is advancing the mission of the Lung Association of creating a tobacco-free future, and championing for clear air by focusing on Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing and promoting Smokefree Outdoor Public Places in Gridley (Butte County), Marysville (Yuba County), and Unincorporated Yuba County, and providing education.
Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing
Your pet can’t tell you the air is hurting them.
Secondhand smoke affects your pet too, even if you don’t smoke. In apartments and Multi-Unit Housing, smoke doesn’t just stay in one unit; it travels through vents, hallways, windows, cracks in walls, and shared air systems.
Ultimately, exposing you and your pet to secondhand smoke from someone else smoking nearby. Pets are especially vulnerable. Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals breathe faster than humans and spend more time near floors, carpets, and furniture, where toxic particles settle. When they groom themselves, they can also ingest dangerous residue left behind on fur and surfaces, known as thirdhand smoke.
According to the American Lung Association, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Even brief exposure can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system.
For pets, exposure can mean:
- Breathing problems
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Eye irritation
- Nicotine poisoning
- Chronic lung and heart stress
- Increased cancer risk
Your pet can be exposed even if no one in your household smokes or vapes. Smoke drifts. Residue lingers. Air travels. Clean indoor air isn’t a luxury for pets — it’s a basic health need.
Smokefree Outdoor Air
Smokefree environments protect everyone from secondhand smoke. Specific populations such as children, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory conditions are vulnerable to poor health outcomes with exposure to secondhand smoke.
Clean air encourages people to enjoy outdoor spaces without exposure to toxic chemicals from second- or thirdhand smoke. Smokefree areas also reduce litter, as cigarette butts are a major source of pollution. These spaces promote healthier lifestyle choices and are inclusive of individuals who may be attempting to quit or can encourage users to quit.
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Contact Us
Sophia Oyewole – Project Coordinator, [email protected]
Audrey Howes – Project Coordinator, [email protected]
Technical Assistance & Support
- The Lung Association is here to support your community with engaging and informative tobacco prevention presentations tailored to youth or adults. Our presentations cover the understanding of secondhand smoke, SmokeFree Public Places and SmokeFree Multi-Unit housing. We are proud to offer these sessions in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for everyone. Contact us today to schedule a presentation and empower your group with the knowledge to make healthier choices!
Free Help Quitting in California
- For accessible, free help to quit smoking, or to help others quit with science-based strategies visit KickItCA.org, Text “Quit Smoking” to 66819, or call 800-300-8086.
Share your story
- Share your story and help build a community of hope, resilience, and action. Your story has the power to inspire others and create change. Whether you have quit smoking, overcome lung disease, or supported someone on their journey to better lung health, your experience can motivate and empower others facing similar challenges. Together, we can breathe life into every story and make a difference!
Resources
Page last updated: June 5, 2026
