Tips for minimising risks from 2nd and 3rd hand cigarette smoke

[NiceCupOfTeaAndASitDown]

I posted recently about my downstairs neighbours smoking under my bedroom window. DS sleeps in there with us (DC2 on the way, s/he will too) The smoke comes in through the windows every time they smoke (often every 30 minutes) and even if the windows are shut it comes through the vents. (we have been told to keep these open to stop damp & information mould but it's not working)

I've spoken to them and asked politely if they would mind smoking out the back of the building. My request has been ignored. I have spoken to the landlord about it. He says there's nothing he can do as "they probably feel as passionately about their rights as you do your children's health"

I am very careful to avoid DS coming into contact with 2nd or 3rd hand smoke so obviously I'm pretty pisses off that it's making its way into his sleeping area because of our stupid neighbours selfish habit and there's not a thing I can do about it.

I suppose I could try going down the environmental health route but I honestly don't think I will get anywhere. Can anyone tell me how to minimise the risks to my children? Is there anything that will stop the smell or the smoke attaching its dirty chemicals to the walls, curtains, bedding etc? I've taken to washing the bedding once a week but we only have one set of curtains. It's really getting me down, especially as I have to see them all the time and just want to Yell at them!

I have this problem too and I do sympathise. We live in a terrace and both neighbours smoke outside and the smoke drifts in the bedrooms where my children sleep. Also my partner smokes. Its a big bone of contention between us, but at least he smokes away from the house.

You could try writing a letter, worded very kindly and accepting that they have a write to smoke etc, but you love your child above everything else and it worrys you a great deal becuase of the weight of evidence of how harmful smoke can be to children. How you are washing the sheets all the time and how grateful you would be if they did it somewhere else. Smokers are less aware of intense and horrible smoke can be to non smokers. It might appeal to their good nature. If that doesn't work contact enviro health. They might be able to go and have a word.

You could always put a fan in the room to blow it back out and or buy an air purifier?

I know it's horrible and unfair and upsetting, but when I worry I pacify myself that there are a good few generations of children who grew up in homes where all the adults smoke, went to cafes and restaurants and cinemas where all the adults smoked and at least it's not like that any more (for most).

Good luck and good for you for trying to sort it out.