The Pico Rivera City Council meeting on September 10, 2025, featured a significant discussion on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, particularly in multi-unit housing. A representative from the Community Health Alliance presented alarming statistics, revealing that Pico Rivera received an F grade for smoke-free multi-unit housing in a recent report by the American Lung Association.

The representative highlighted that two in five residents reported exposure to secondhand smoke in their homes over the past year. Furthermore, 70 percent of those surveyed live with someone whose medical condition worsens due to secondhand smoke exposure. The data also indicated that 94 percent of residents would prefer to reside in completely smoke-free multi-unit housing.

The coalition emphasized the need for increased awareness and action regarding secondhand smoke, especially as the city anticipates growth in multi-unit housing developments. They pointed out that shared ventilation systems in these buildings can lead to involuntary exposure to smoke, even for families who prohibit smoking in their own units.

The U.S. Surgeon General's 2014 conclusion that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke was cited to underscore the urgency of implementing smoke-free protections. The coalition urged the city to consider adopting smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinances, similar to those enacted in 20 jurisdictions across Los Angeles County, including Norwalk and Compton.

The discussion reflects a growing concern for public health in Pico Rivera, as community leaders advocate for safer living environments free from the dangers of secondhand smoke.