Public‑health group urges Clear Lake to consider multi‑unit smoke‑free policies citing second‑ and third‑hand harms

Gina Veil Griffin, project liaison for the Health and Social Policy Institute, told the council that recent studies show emissions from burning cannabis and conventional tobacco contain many of the same toxins and that electronic‑smoking‑device (ESD) aerosols include ultrafine particles and metals such as chromium and nickel.

Griffin said some studies found cannabis secondhand smoke contained higher concentrations of certain toxins (she cited "eight times as much hydrogen cyanide" in one comparison) and described thirdhand residues — particles and chemicals that settle into fabrics and building surfaces and can be difficult to remove. She emphasized that children, seniors and people in multi‑unit housing are especially vulnerable.

The presentation noted the program is funded by Proposition 56 under the California Tobacco Control Program and that more than 70 California jurisdictions have adopted rules that prohibit smoking in private rental multi‑unit housing (status cited in the handout dated 10/01/2022). Griffin also pointed to existing HUD guidance that requires 100% tobacco‑free policies in HUD‑funded housing.

Council members asked about local data and how other jurisdictions implemented policies (minimum unit‑count thresholds, inclusion of balconies/patios, and handling of medical marijuana exceptions). Griffin offered to compile comparative data and case studies from nearby jurisdictions for the council to review.

Ending: The council received the briefing and asked staff to provide jurisdictional examples and data; no ordinance or policy was introduced at the meeting.