During the early COVID-19 pandemic in NYC, families in financially supported housing had nearly 7 times the odds of marijuana smoke incursions from neighbors compared to families in private housing, and children in those homes spent more time indoors and had higher asthma rates.
Families in multi-unit housing, policymakers, and public health officials concerned about secondhand smoke exposure disparities
6.9x higher odds in subsidized housing
What the researchers found
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%).
Why it matters
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.
The numbers in context
230 families surveyed; 30.7% reported marijuana smoke incursions; 22.9% reported tobacco incursions; 6.9x odds of marijuana incursions in subsidized housing; 5x odds of worsening during pandemic; 37% asthma rate in subsidized housing children vs 12.9% in private
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Small cross-sectional survey during a unique period, but findings align with broader housing equity research
When this study was published
2022 study
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- Are existing smoke-free public housing rules being enforced for marijuana? Would expanding the federal Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule to explicitly include marijuana reduce disparities? How does secondhand marijuana smoke affect childhood asthma specifically?
Common questions
Is secondhand marijuana smoke harmful to children?
Why are families in public housing more affected?
Read the original research
Disparities in Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Incursions Among New York City Families During Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP, 28(3), 248-257
Citation
Zajac, Lauren; Gallate, Xanthe; Gu, Gregory; Liu, Bian; Elaiho, Cordelia; Lin, Elaine; Mogilner, Leora; Oliver, Kristin; Vangeepuram, Nita; Wilson, Karen. (2022). Disparities in Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Incursions Among New York City Families During Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.. Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP, 28(3), 248-257. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000001440