Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface
Published on: February 21, 2011
Tobacco smoke incursions in multiunit housing
Karen M Wilson1, Michelle Torok, Robert McMillen
1Karen M. Wilson is with the Section of Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver. Michelle Torok is with the Children's Outcomes Research Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine. Robert McMillen is with the Department of Psychology and Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State. Susanne Tanski is with the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. Jonathan D. Klein is with the American Academy of Pediatrics Julius B. Richmond Center of Excellence, Elk Grove Village, IL. Jonathan P. Winickoff is with the Division of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Many multiunit housing residents experience secondhand smoke exposure. Partial smoke-free policies in buildings may increase, not decrease, this exposure, impacting resident health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Housing Studies
Background:
- Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure is a significant public health concern.
- Multiunit housing (MUH) residents are particularly vulnerable to SHS due to shared ventilation and building structures.
- Understanding SHS incursions in MUH is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SHS incursions reported by MUH residents.
- To identify factors associated with SHS exposure in MUH.
- To examine the relationship between smoke-free building policies and SHS incursions.
Main Methods:
- Nationally representative survey of US adults aged 18+ in 2011.
- Included MUH residents who had not smoked in their homes for 3 months.
- Defined incursions as smelling tobacco smoke in their building or unit.
Main Results:
- 29.5% of MUH residents reported smoke incursions in their buildings.
- 16% reported incursions in their own unit, with 36.2% occurring weekly.
- Government-subsidized housing and partial smoke-free policies were linked to higher reported incursions.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of MUH residents experience SHS exposure.
- Partial smoke-free policies may not effectively protect residents and could potentially increase exposure.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate SHS exposure in MUH.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation

