Is there anything we can do?

[catnapper]

We just got a new neighbor (actually he lived here 5 years ago but moved out and just recently moved back in) and he smokes. Which isn't so bad, but apparently his wife kicks him outside to smoke. Which means he stands out back and all his smoke blows into OUR house. I am allergic to smoke and hubby is actually highly allergic to smoke.

Since we know this guy and his family from when he lived here a few years ago, we might be more comfortable saying something to him about smoking than if he was a brand new stranger living next to us. I don't remember him smoking when he lived here before, so its either a new habit or his wife finally convinced him he's not allowed to smoke in the house.

I know if its outside that the air is free to smoke in.... but can I politely ask him to smoke with the wind so that the wind is blowing away from my house (is there ever a polite way for something like this?)

Is there anything else I might be able to do? Hubby thought perhaps a 6' tall fence between us might cut down on the smoke hitting us -- would it?

Ugh, my lungs are clogged with lots of extra mucus now nad I'm developing a wonderful pot nasal drip thing. Hubby's been vomiting up wads of mucus just from two days of this guy moving in! He's not even here fulltime yet! Serously, if we can't find a solution, we're going to have to move!

[jenluckenbach]

I feel your pain. And of course, you should attempt to tell him about your request. But don't hold your breath thinking he'll just stop it and smoke elsewhere. There are so many smokers who are self-righteous about their "rights". Good luck (but if you do move, can you move closer to me, please? )

[Karen]

Do, seriously ask him to smoke on the other side of his house. I am sure he has no idea it is making you guys sick, and wouldn;t take offense at the suggestion, if worded nicely.

[kuhio98]

You guys seem to be thinking of a lot of different (i.e. expensive) ways to avoid a simple conversation. Just ask him politely if he wouldn't mind smoking on the other side of the house since the wind blows the smoke in your house and you have health problems (and a baby on the way). If he is a jerk about it then you can put your expensive plans into action.

[christa]

Doubt the fence thing would work. Smoke is nasty stuff.

We use to live in a townhouse and our neighbor would smoke so much that it would actually seep through the walls!!! Talk about disgusting! I actually was afraid that he had fallen asleep with one lit one night becuase the smell was so strong in our living room, I knocked on his door! He also would go out on his deck and smoke . . . we had a privacy fence that separated our decks . . . it didn't "block" the smoke or the smell.

I would definitely say something but don't expect him to comply. Seems to be a touchy subject these days.

[moosmom]

I think Karen is right. Go and introduce yourself, get to talking and then bring it up and politely ask him to smoke on the other side of the house. Explain to them about your allergies and how the smoke is seeping into your house. I'm SURE they'd understand. It's not like you're asking them to move or anything.