I turned down a request today because the RC says "Non-Smoking books only". Now, no one smokes in my house.  And my books have never been around a smoker, however, this particular book was left downstairs in my house where we have a wood burning stove. Usually this wouldn't be an issue but in the last month we have been without power twice due to bad weather and had to heat a lot with wood. I asked my mother and she says my house doesn't smell, but I was wary because I left this book in the same room as the heater. I didn't want to take the chance.

Was I wrong? I  just assumed they ment all types of smoke.

They probably meant cigarette smoke, but if the book smelt smokey at all, I'd probably have turned it down too :)

This kind of question is why I put on my RC that (smoking postpeople, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, campfires) aren't included in "Current Smoking Environment"

I would assume all types of smoke, too.

No - you were not wrong.  Smoke is smoke and if they meant cigarette smoke they should have said so.

Well, I can't smell any smoke on it, but that doesn't mean someone else who hasn't been in my basement couldn't smell a hint of smoke.  After I thought about it and thought about how I don't mind a campfire or our wood stove but now a cigarette makes me gag. I wasn't sure how to interpret non-smoking. Better safe than sorry.....  Oh well, at least it was just this one book.

You rock! You where honest and well meaning! :)

I decline all "no smoking" homes because I have no idea where it came from before me. The only exception to this is if I bought the book new. I think what you did was fine. And it is your book, so you are the judge.

I would always assume cigarette smoke unless they stated otherwise. Cigarette smoke contains things that basic wood burning smoke does not and that is usually what makes people sick.

I always believe if you are in doubt about an RC, and you don't want to deal with PMing them to confirm, decline the request. The great thing about books is there's always more copies out there and someone will come along that can fulfill the request.

"...says 'Non-Smoking books only'"

Now, I could be wrong about this, but I think that the PO prefers that the books aren't actually smoking when you mail them also.

;)

I recently declined an RC because the member 'preferred' books from a non-smoking home due to allergies... but if I couldn't actually smell smoke on the book, I should go ahead and send it or PM her before declining the request.

Not to sound snarky, but ummm... no.  I smoke.  My sense of smell will in no way match a non-smokers sense of smell.  I sure as heck don't want to send something that will trigger an alergy attack and I'm not fond of ambiguous RCs... you either want the book or you don't.  I work with RCs... the only ones I automatically decline are those involving smoking or pets... I'm addicted to both, LOL.

Beth, with health related requests,  it is best to do as you did and err on the side of caution.  I have a smoke clause in my RCs, due to severe asthma, but never thought about other kinds of smoke until a request was denied because they'd taken the book camping and had a campfire (around the book, not using the book, I assumed...).  That feedback helped me clarify my RCs, so you might politely and helpfully suggest that member clarify their RCs too, if appropriate.

Cheers,

Catt