Subsidized Housing Smoking Bans

Recently, a study was conducted to assess the potential cost impact of making government subsidized housing 100% smoke free. Though many of these housing units have already implemented smoke-free policies, a blanket ruling could save as much as $500 million in renovation and healthcare costs.   Currently, approximately 7 million individuals live in government subsidized housing. Allowing smoking in these multi-unit buildings causes smoke and fire damage, but also exposes these individuals to second hand smoke. Unfortunately, many of the persons living in these buildings are young children, the elderly, and the disabled who are more susceptible to health issues. It was found that in multi-unit housing, smoke travels to other units causing unintended secondary exposure.   According to the United States Surgeon General, there is no level of safe exposure to second hand smoke. It is estimated that second hand smoke results in over 40,000 deaths yearly in this country alone. Exposed adults are more susceptible to cancer and heart disease, while children face the threat of asthma attacks and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.