Cigarette and Marijuana (THC) Smoke Testing

How to Conduct Testing for Cigarette Smoke in Your Multi-Family Building

Cigarette smoke can present a challenging odor problem in multi-family buildings, including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), secondhand smoke (smoke exhaled by smokers or emitted from a lit cigarette), and thirdhand smoke (lingering cigarette odors absorbed and released by various surfaces and materials). While the adverse health effects of smoking are well-documented, ETS exposure can lead to its own set of acute and chronic health issues for non-smokers.

Short-term effects of ETS include asthma triggers, eye and respiratory irritation, and hoarseness, while long-term exposure has been linked to asthma development and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. In a multi-family setting, you have limited control over your neighbors' actions, and due to the complex airflow dynamics within a building, you may encounter cigarette smoke odors in your unit even if you've never smoked indoors. So, how can you confirm the presence of ETS?

Testing for ETS can be challenging, as cigarette smoke consists of numerous chemicals and particulate matter. Laboratories attempt to detect it using "indicator compounds" that are unique to cigarette smoke and not commonly found in indoor environments. However, it's worth noting that human noses are often more sensitive to cigarette smoke odor than current laboratory tests, and the smell alone doesn't always correlate with laboratory results.

One testing method involves taking wipe samples from hard surfaces in areas with tobacco smoke odors. These samples are then analyzed for nicotine, a common marker of ETS. Notably, not all surfaces in such areas will have detectable nicotine levels, with surfaces closer to recent smoking activities being more likely to test positive.

Another approach is to monitor particulate matter levels and maintain an odor log. This method allows for a longer observation period compared to laboratory tests, making it suitable for situations where the odor pattern is unpredictable.

It's important to remember that controlling cigarette smoke from entering your unit can be as challenging as testing for it. Each project is unique, and depending on the circumstances, multiple testing methods may be necessary to document cigarette odors in your home. If you're dealing with cigarette smoke issues in your home, consider contacting professionals who can provide guidance and solutions tailored to your specific situation.