The Villas at Narraganset Introduces Smokefree Living to Protect Health

The Villas at Narraganset introduced smokefree living efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their residents and employees.

Although New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act protects residents from secondhand smoke in indoor public places and workplaces, exposure continues in settings not covered by these protections, most notably in multi-unit housing. The home remains the leading source of secondhand smoke exposure for children and a significant source of exposure for nonsmoking adults.

In multi-unit housing communities, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, secondhand smoke can impact residents even if smoking does not occur within their own homes. Smoke can travel between units and shared spaces through doorways, cracks, electrical lines, plumbing and ventilation systems. As a result, smoke from one unit can affect residents throughout the entire building.

"The Villas at Narraganset is a senior condominium community located in Lindenhurst, New York. The residents of our community have overwhelmingly decided to control the use of tobacco products in any form," said Francine Amodia, Treasurer, The Villas at Narraganset. (Pictured L to R: the Villas at Narragansett Board Members: Arthur DelVecchio, President; Francine Amodia, Treasurer; and Ed Oliva, Vice President. Downloadable image.)

This issue is especially concerning for individuals living with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as exposure can worsen symptoms and negatively impact overall health. “While smoking rates have declined, tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in both New York State and across the nation, contributing to more than 28,000 deaths in New York each year,” said Paulette Orlando, Community Engagement Specialist, Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island. (TACLI)

In addition to secondhand smoke, there is growing concern about thirdhand smoke—the residual chemicals from tobacco smoke that settle onto surfaces and linger long after smoking has stopped. Many people may believe they are not at risk if they are not in the presence of active smoking; however, these harmful residues can be released back into the air or absorbed through skin contact with contaminated surfaces such as furniture, walls, and clothing. Thirdhand smoke can also be carried on a person’s skin, hair, or clothing, leading to exposure in otherwise smoke-free environments.

Beyond the immediate health benefits, smoke-free living also offers additional advantages for residents and the property itself.

“This decision will not only safeguard our health but also protect the building's infrastructure, such as our ventilation systems and interior treatments. Smokefree communities boast higher resale and rental values. But the greatest advantage will be affording our neighbors enhanced health and a better quality of life, so we can continue to cherish the memories and friendships we make along the way,” added Francine Amodia, Treasurer, The Villas at Narraganset.

Smokefree living reduces fire risk and maintenance costs and enhances the health of residents and employees. TACLI provided free technical support and cessation resources. To learn more about Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing, please visit www.BreatheFreely.org.

For help quitting smoking or vaping, including free nicotine replacement therapy for eligible residents, individuals can contact a healthcare provider, call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS, or visit www.nysmokefree.com. Effective medications and counseling are covered by Medicaid and most insurance programs.

About Tobacco Action Coalition Long Island - The Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island is one of 21 Advancing Tobacco Free Communities’ grants funded by the NYS DOH’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and administered by the American Lung Association. Our grant is comprised of a community engagement and youth action component, Reality Check, which works collaboratively to promote environments open to creating a tobacco-free norm as well as educating and empowering our youth to become change agents within their communities.