COVID-19 Updates: Secondhand Smoke, Smoke Drift and COVID-19
During the past several weeks while Stay-at-Home orders have been in place, we have seen an uptick in the number of smoke-drift complaints coming in through the TFCO website.
Given that people are spending more time in their homes, whether they are single family or multi-unit housing settings, there is an increased risk of unwanted secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure. When complaints are received via TFCO, an alert is sent to the appropriate local health department grantee so they have the opportunity to respond and provide education from a local perspective. When these complaints are in a multi-unit housing setting, Teddy and Peggy, smoke-free TA providers, are here to support grantees, residents, and property owners and managers with best practice approaches to reduce harmful secondhand smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure. Be sure to connect with them prior to reaching out to address complaints and to follow up with them after the fact to close the loop. While the research is still limited on the relationship between tobacco use and Covid-19, we do know that tobacco use negatively affects underlying health conditions so messaging we are recommending at this point is that: “Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions like heart and lung disease are at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19 and should avoid exposure to SHS. Please help us protect the health and safety of our community by doing your part to step outside when you smoke. Keeping a distance of at least 25 feet away from entrances to buildings and air intakes can help protect the health of your neighbors.”
Smokers at Higher Risk for Negative Covid19-related Outcomes
This recent NEJM article identified factors independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death among Covid-19 positive patients. Current smoking was Included among the risk factors.
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