Grants awarded to encourage smoke-free apartments

CHICAGO — An anti-tobacco advocacy group is working to increase the number of smoke-free apartment buildings and condos in Chicago.

The Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project is awarding thousands of dollars in grants to several housing groups to achieve that goal.

The groups include the Institute of Cultural Affairs, Lakeside Community Development Corp. and Claretian Associates. Others grants are expected in September.

The tobacco prevention project is overseen by the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Association President Joel Africk says most of the air in multi-unit residences comes from common areas and other units. So if your neighbor smokes, you end up breathing in their smoke. Secondhand smoke can increase risks for a variety of illnesses including heart and lung disease.