Federal Government To Ban Smoking Cigarettes In Public Housing

Vast changes are coming to the U.S Housing and Urban Development, and no, we’re not talking about Ben Carson.

USA Today reports the memo by current Secretary Julián Castro announced HUD’s plans to ban smoking in public housing units over the course of 2017. This includes the prohibition of “lit tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) in all living units, common indoor areas, administrative offices and all outdoor areas within 25 feet of housing and administrative office buildings.” E-cigarettes were not listed in the ban.

The memo from HUD arrived Nov. 30 but made its way to the public on Friday (Dec. 3). It’s reason to ban smoking from the comfort of people’s homes reside in health factors pertaining to the youth. They also claim that a majority of fires in public housing stem from smoking. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke,” said Secretary Castro. “HUD’s smoke-free rule is a reflection of our commitment to using housing as a platform to create healthy communities. By working collaboratively with public housing agencies, HUD’s rule will create healthier homes for all of our families and prevent devastating and costly smoking-related fires.”

The plan, still in motion, will seek assistance from 3,100 Public Housing Agencies. It doesn’t include exactly what will happen to those who break it. In the end, the new developments are looking to save money. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim HUD spends $153 million in repairs, $94 million in second-hand smoke health care and $16 million in smoking-related fire losses.

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