During a recent city council meeting, representatives from the Madera County Department of Public Health presented a compelling case for establishing a smoke-free community, particularly in multiunit housing. The presentation, led by youth members of the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) coalition, highlighted alarming statistics regarding the dangers of secondhand smoke, which contains over 7,000 chemicals, including 250 toxic substances and 70 known carcinogens.

The youth coalition conducted a survey in the fall of 2022, revealing that 90% of residents prefer smoke-free homes, and 84% support policies to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke in multiunit housing. With approximately 20% of Madera's population living in such settings, the need for protective measures is urgent. The coalition emphasized that homes are the primary exposure point for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Community engagement efforts included two forums held in summer 2023, where residents expressed strong support for smoke-free policies. The coalition has gathered 141 petitions and engaged with property owners, many of whom are in favor of implementing smoke-free policies in their buildings.

Public comments during the meeting echoed the urgency of the issue, with several residents sharing personal stories about the health impacts of secondhand smoke on their families, particularly children and those with pre-existing health conditions like asthma. They urged the council to prioritize smoke-free housing as a public health issue and to consider it for future agenda items.

The coalition concluded their presentation by requesting the council's support in expanding smoke-free protections to include not only multiunit housing but also public spaces, reinforcing the message that a comprehensive smoke-free policy is essential for the health and safety of the community.