For decades, Black communities have disproportionately borne the brunt of tobacco companies’ predatory marketing and the health consequences that follow. Now, a new initiative is putting the power in the hands of residents to create smoke-free havens in their own neighborhoods.
The “Taking Back Our Breath” campaign, spearheaded by local health advocates in partnership with Saving Our Legacy African Americans for Smoke-free Safe Places (SOL Project), aims to empower residents of unincorporated Sacramento County to advocate for smoke-free multi-unit housing and outdoor air protections. This is crucial as, unlike many cities, the county currently lacks regulations that guarantee smoke-free living spaces or protect residents from secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas.
Dr. J. Bianca Roberts, Family Physician in Sacramento, says “Studies show that secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as direct smoking, leading to lung cancer, heart disease, and asthma attacks, especially in children.”
The campaign highlights a surprising fact: a recent survey found that a whopping 75% of Sacramento County residents, including a strong majority in Black communities, support smoke-free housing and outdoor air laws. This disconnect between public opinion and policy underscores the need for resident voices to be heard.
“They’re targeting our youth with flavored vapes and misleading marketing, just like they hooked generations on cigarettes. We must protect our children and families from these predatory tactics,” says Pastor Deborah Simmons, South Sacramento Christian Center.
The “Taking Back Our Breath” campaign will hold training sessions dispelling myths about smoking and vaping, including the misconception that vaping is harmless. They will also train residents in advocacy skills to push for smoke-free policies at the county level.
Smoke is smoke and there is no safe level of exposure, including marijuana smoke and vape aerosol. Most people are exposed to secondhand smoke at home. Especially medically vulnerable children, seniors and pets that live in multi-unit housing—like apartment buildings, duplexes, and townhomes. Even when no one in the home smokes, secondhand smoke can drift from other units including through windows, hallways, and vents.
By empowering residents to fight for clean air, this initiative aims to create healthier homes and communities for all in Sacramento County.
Beyond Cigarettes: The Threat of Vaping
While the dangers of cigarette smoking are widely known, the “Taking Back Our Breath” campaign also emphasizes the serious health risks posed by vaping. While vape devices may not contain burning tobacco, they deliver a cocktail of addictive chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that can damage the lungs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown, but emerging research suggests links to chronic lung disease, asthma, and even heart problems. Vaping can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, like asthma, making it harder to breathe and increasing the risk of flare-ups.
Protecting Our Children from a New Addiction
Perhaps most concerning is the vaping industry’s targeting of young people. E-cigarettes were originally marketed in a wide variety of flavors, many of which are appealing to teenagers, such as candy, mint, and fruit. This is no coincidence – the industry is using the same tactics they used to hook generations on menthol cigarettes to create a new wave of addicted customers. The new law SB793 banning flavored tobacco products, including menthol, will help to protect youth from this deceptive marketing. Learn about the flavor ban here TheSolProject.com.
Vaping can also be a gateway to smoking. Studies show that teens who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes later in life. The “Taking Back Our Breath” campaign aims to educate parents and teens about the dangers of vaping and empower them to resist the industry’s deceptive marketing.
It’s time to take back our breath! If you’re dealing with secondhand smoke, you can report it to the SOL Project at smokecomplaints@theSOLproject.com or call 888-774-7685, ext. 500.
Together, we can make our communities healthier and safer.
SOL Project is a program of Heluna Health, funded by California Department of Public Health under contract 22-11204. The SOL Project advocates for healthy, smoke-free communities for African Americans and other populations who suffer disproportionately as a result of social conditions and tobacco use. Learn more at www.theSOLproject.com.