Families in Public Housing Faced Much Higher Marijuana Smoke Exposure During the Pandemic

Marijuana smoke incursions were reported by 30.7% of surveyed families. Families with financial housing support had 6.9 times the odds of marijuana incursions (95% CI: 2.4-19.5) and 5 times the odds of worsening incursions during the pandemic. Children in subsidized housing spent more time indoors (24 vs 21.6 hours) and had higher asthma rates (37% vs 12.9%).

Cross-sectional survey of 230 caregivers from five pediatric practices in NYC from May to July 2020. Collected sociodemographic data, housing characteristics, and presence, frequency, and pandemic-related changes in tobacco and marijuana smoke incursions.

Secondhand marijuana smoke exposure in the home disproportionately affects low-income families who have less control over their housing environments. With children in these homes already more likely to have asthma, unwanted smoke exposure compounds existing health disparities.

As cannabis legalization expands without corresponding indoor use regulations, secondhand smoke exposure becomes a growing equity issue. Families in multi-unit subsidized housing bear a disproportionate burden, and children with asthma are especially vulnerable.

Small sample of 230 families from five practices limits generalizability. Self-reported incursions may be subject to reporting bias. Cross-sectional design during a unique pandemic period may not reflect typical patterns. Cannot confirm cannabis smoke exposure with biomarkers.