Lifestyle 6 – A Guide to Smoke-Free Public and Community Housing – Factsheet (Digital PDF)

Passive smoking is not just a nuisance; In Queensland, passive smoking contributes to one in ten cancer deaths, making it a silent threat hiding in everyday spaces.

Breathing in someone else’s smoke increases your lung cancer risk by up to 30%, even if you have never smoked. In public and community housing, smoke drifts through shared walls, vents and balconies forcing 7,000 toxic chemicals into your living space. This is not just an unpleasant smell; it is a direct exposure to 83 carcinogens known to cause lung, throat, and nasal cancers across Australia. 

Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home. Under Queensland law, you have a right to quiet enjoyment and a safe home environment. Recognising and documenting smoke drift is a powerful first step in protecting yourself and your family against the preventable cancer risks of second-hand smoke.

This engaging and easy-to-use factsheet supports residents in reducing smoke exposure. It’s designed to empower you with clear steps, practical tools, and the confidence to take action.

Readers will discover

• How second-hand smoke increases cancer risk
• The legal responsibilities of public and community housing providers regarding smoke drift
• How to report and manage smoke drift issues in your environment
• Where to seek support and resolve disputes

This Factsheet is Perfect For:

• GP Clinics and Health Services
• Workplaces and Offices
• Educational institutions
• Community Centers and outreach programs
• Gyms, Sport Clubs and outdoor recreational activities
• Events and Expos
• Local Government, Libraries and Councils
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services
• Rural and Remote health services
• Public, Transitional, Community Housing Providers and Tenure-Holders
• Housing Service Centres and Support services
• Tenant Rights and Housing Advocacy Organisations

Download this factsheet today.