Self-reported Secondhand Marijuana Smoke (SHMS) Exposure in Two New York City (NYC) Subsidized Housing Settings, 2018: NYC Housing Authority and Lower-Income Private Sector Buildings

Abstract

Introduction:The percentage of adults in the United States reporting current marijuana use has more than doubled, from 4% to 9% between 2002 and 2018, suggesting that exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke (SHMS) has probably increased. Few studies have characterized the extent to which residents experience SHMS, particularly those living in multi-unit housing. It remains unknown how recently implemented smoke-free housing policies (SFH) targeting cigarette smoke in public housing authorities (PHAs) will affect SHMS exposure.Objective: To characterize prevalence of self-reported SHMS exposure among residents living in two different subsidized housing settings prior to SFH policy implementation in PHAs: New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings and private sector buildings where most residents receive Section 8 subsidy vouchers (herein 'Section 8' buildings).

Implementing the Federal Smoke-Free Public Housing Policy in New York City: Understanding Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Policy Impact

“…Our study is the first to highlight the role of local marijuana laws in undermining the SFH policy which was developed at the federal level. NYCHA residents reported that exposure to marijuana smoke was often greater than cigarette smoke [ 31 ]. With the loosening of enforcement in states where marijuana use remains illegal, and the spread of legalization across the U.S., it is likely that other PHAs are experiencing a rise in the prevalence of indoor exposure to marijuana smoke (which is currently not included or enforceable under the HUD’s SFH policy).…”

Disparities in Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Incursions Among New York City Families During Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…30 For marijuana, our results reveal incursion disparities among families living in financially supported housing compared with private housing (66.7% vs 25.8%), similar to previous studies. 19,20 Our study provides insight into the experience of smoke incursions during the early pandemic when children were spending most of their time indoors. Families in financially supported housing were more likely to report an increase in both tobacco and marijuana smoke incursions than those in private housing.…”

“…The health effects of SHMS exposure are not yet clearly understood; however, evidence suggests a link between psychoactive effects and impaired endothelial function 18. Similar to tobacco, marijuana smoke incursions can occur and have been more commonly reported in public housing than in private housing 19,20. A metabolite of marijuana, COOH-THC, has been detected in children living in NYC apartments 21.…”

“… 18 Similar to tobacco, marijuana smoke incursions can occur and have been more commonly reported in public housing than in private housing. 19 , 20 A metabolite of marijuana, COOH-THC, has been detected in children living in NYC apartments. 21 Marijuana smoke incursion is an emerging topic of research, especially as many states have legalized recreational cannabis and usage rates are increasing.…”

Inter‐zonal airflow in multi‐unit residential buildings: A review of the magnitude and interaction of driving forces, measurement techniques and magnitudes, and its impact on building performance

“…More recently, research into SHS transfer has expanded to include marijuana smoke. In self‐reported surveys, second‐hand marijuana smoke (SHMS) incursions in MURBs have been reported by 35.5% 77 and 67% 78 of respondents. While SHMS poses a similar IAQ and IEQ problem to SHS, much is still unknown regarding the relative magnitudes of inter‐zonal pollutant transfer (both particulate and gaseous), and the relative impacts to health, IAQ, and occupant comfort.…”