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Public commenter urges Encinitas to adopt smoke- and vape-free policy for multi-unit housing
Summary
A local resident urged the Environmental Commission to recommend a smoke- and vape-free policy for multi-unit housing, citing health risks from second- and third-hand smoke and environmental harms from tobacco waste.
Madison Rapp, a resident and parent, asked the commission to consider a smoke- and vape-free policy for multi-unit housing during public comment.
Rapp told commissioners that the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated there is no safe amount of first-hand, second-hand or third-hand smoke for children and said the commission should consider measures to prevent smoke exposure in multi-unit housing. She described health risks including breathing problems, reduced lung growth, increased risk of asthma, and the persistence of third-hand smoke residue on surfaces.
Rapp also urged the commission to consider environmental impacts of tobacco product litter, noting cigarette butts, e-cigarette waste and packaging contribute to pollution and can leach toxic chemicals into soil and water.
Why it matters: Commissioners did not take formal action on the request during the meeting, but public comment places the topic on record for future commission or council consideration and may inform staff or council deliberations on housing-related public-health or waste-reduction policies.
No formal direction or motion to pursue an ordinance was recorded in the meeting transcript.
