Smoking ban plan for U.S. public housing

Now, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to impose a smoking ban in public housing nationwide because second-hand smoke in one apartment is a threat to the health of residents of others.

The rule would prohibit smoking in public housing, including common areas and administrative offices on public housing properties.

Banning smoking in public housing would save the federal government $153 million a year, according to a 2014 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “This proposed rule would require each public housing agency (PHA) administering public housing to implement a smoke-free policy”, a notice published within the Federal Register read.

HUD’s proposal didn’t make clear how potential violations of the rule would be handled. While fewer than 4 percent of rentals listed on StreetEasy are located in buildings with smoke-free guarantees, according to the Times, those units rent for $1,000 to $1,300 more than comparable apartments that lack such protections. Secondhand smoke exposure is highest among children, especially African-American children, and among those living in poverty and rental housing. I’ve never lived in public housing, but if there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s someone telling me what I can or can’t do in my own home. Banned by her grandmother from smoking in the apartment, she sneaks cigarettes in the stairwell, she said, and will continue to do so.

While not commenting directly on the proposed rule, Philip Morris US says in a policy statement that it agrees that people should be able to avoid secondhand smoke in many public places and on the job. Even here in NY where the state government regulates smoking in public parks they don’t attempt to say that a homeowner can’t smoke inside their own house. “As we review HUD’s proposed new rule, we want to ensure it puts residents first”. “Like I said, who is going to enforce it?”

Tenant Alba Rivera also supported the ban.

“Everyone – no matter where they live – deserves a chance to grow up in a healthy, smoke-free home”, said Dr. Vivek Murthy.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development unveiled the proposed rule Thursday. That, officials said, could be accomplished only by eliminating smoking from indoor spaces.

And there’s the rub: Are we really going to evict people from public housing for smoking in their apartments?

Last month, a law banning smoking in vehicles carrying children came into force in England and Wales – which could result in fines of £50 for violators.

The Fayetteville Housing Authority had a meeting with tenants Thursday to discuss the possibility of making 248 public housing units smoke free.