Moviegoers at theaters throughout Pierce County can catch an important message about “Why smoke-free housing is important?” Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Smoke-Free Housing Task Force produced the Public Service Announcement (PSA) to reach residents and property owners.

“The state fire marshal reports smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in Washington,” said George Hermosillo, Smoke-Free Housing coordinator. “We want people living in apartments and condos and property owners in Pierce County to know just how powerful a change going smoke-free can be,” Hermosillo said.

The 30-second PSA is running at America Movie Network-AMC, Cinemark and Regal Movie Theaters throughout Pierce County. It highlights the benefits of smoking-free housing for property owners and residents.

For residents, smoke-free housing means cleaner air. Second-hand smoke is a toxic contaminant and is the leading cause of asthma attacks according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Second-hand smoke, according to the CDC, is also known to cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The National Center for Healthy Housing reports property owners can see a two-to-seven times reduction in clean-up costs for smoke-free units. In Washington, about 75% of residents say they want to live in a smoke-free environment, according to the State Department of Health. Residents can search for smoke-free properties in their area and property owners can learn more about the program at tpchd.org/smokefreehousing.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is committed to reducing tobacco use at home and beyond. Worldwide tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death. Learn more about tobacco prevention programs and watch the PSA at tpchd.org/health-wellness-1/tobacco-prevention-control.

About Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s mission is to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. As part of its mission, the Health Department tackles known and emerging health risks through policy, programs and treatment in order to protect public health. Learn more at www.tpchd.org.