BACKGROUND: FCTC Article 8 guidelines identify measures necessary to achieve effective protection from the hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS). However, tobacco smoke incursion (TSI) into private homes impacts millions of individuals around the world, particularly those living in multi-unit housing (MUH). Notably, protection from TSI into one’s own residence is not generally offered by governments, and is not currently enshrined in FCTC/MPOWER strategies.
METHODS: Data are from 1790 adults (aged ³18) who participated in the 2024 International Tobacco Control Israel Survey. We assessed tobacco smoke incursion (TSI) into homes. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to examine the prevalence of TSI into private homes in Israel, while considering possible inequitable differences in exposure to TSI: age group (18-39, 40-59, 60+), sex, population sector (Jewish/Arab), current smoking status (yes/no), income (high/medium/low), education (high/medium/low), and type of residence (private/MUH). Analyses were conducted on data weighted for population characteristics and smoking status.
RESULTS: TSI into private homes affected 40.6% of adults in the past 12 months, with 19.4% experiencing incursion at least weekly. Exposure to TSI increased as income decreased (Adjusted odds Ratio (aOR): 1.29 CI:[1.11,1.53], p=.0016), residents residing in MUH experienced greater TSI relative to those in private homes (aOR:2.60 CI:[2.02,3.35], p<.0001), and TSI increased as age decreased (aOR:1.16 CI: [1.01,1.34] p=.0403). Adults who smoke cigarettes were less likely to report TSI compared to adults who do not smoke (aOR:.74 CI:[.55,.99] p=.0449).
CONCLUSIONS: About 4 in 10 adults in Israel reported tobacco smoke incursion into their homes, with inequitable differences in exposure. Regulation to protect individuals from SHS due to tobacco smoke incursion into their own homes should be included in the FCTC Article 8 guidelines, with a specific focus on those living in densely populated living conditions.