The damaging effects of tobacco smoke on your lungs and overall health could be catastrophic, decreasing your quality of life and health. One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the residual damage left behind by heavy smokers in their living environment, especially in enclosed areas such as apartments.

Persistent smokers can leave a residence with an unpleasant smell as well as staining, degradation of air quality, and potential health risks for future occupants. It’s important to learn the signs of long-time smoking inside an apartment to assess the extent of damage and measures needed to restore the apartment.

Unpleasant and Lingering Odor

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles that quickly travel through the air. This mixture includes many toxic and carcinogenic substances, such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These substances adhere to everything they come into contact with, and over time, they seep into the pores of walls, furniture, and fabrics, making the odor stubborn and pervasive.

Noticeable Staines

The yellowish or brownish stains that nicotine leaves behind are clearly visible on walls and ceilings and are sometimes complicated to reach. This staining is more intense and more difficult to remove in areas where the smoke concentration was the highest. The stains are unsightly, and the buildup damages the integrity of various surfaces over time, eventually leading to the need for significant renovations.

Damaged Paint and Walls

The heat and chemicals from the smoke can cause paint to discolor, crack, and eventually peel off. Addressing these issues is rarely as simple as slapping on a new layer of paint or wallpaper. It may require comprehensive cleaning, but in other cases, it can necessitate the full replacement of drywall—providing clear evidence of how cigarette smoke can damage a building.

Residue on Windows and Mirrors

The filmy residue that cigarette smoke leaves on windows and mirrors is one of the clearest signs of long-term indoor smoking. The residue adheres to the glass surfaces and builds up over time, leading to a noticeable layer of sticky, yellowish film. This residue affects the aesthetic appeal of the windows and mirrors while reducing their transparency.

Health Symptoms From Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke refers to the smoke exhaled by smokers or from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and can cause cancer. These may cause health symptoms in new tenants, such as eye irritation, coughing, headaches, or even asthma attacks in particularly sensitive individuals.

The damage from smoking inside an apartment reaches far beyond aesthetic issues. It can cause significant structural damage and potentially harmful health effects for individuals living in the space. It’s crucial to identify these signs early on and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.