UP CLOSE: PROPOSED BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC HOUSING

http://abc7ny.com/news/up-close-proposed-ban-on-smoking-in-public-housing/1103030/

Sunday, November 29, 2015 12:23PM

NEW YORK (WABC) —

We know the dangers of smoking. It’s bad not only for the people who puff on the cigarettes, but also all those around them.

The debate has always been how to balance the rights of smokers to puff away, with the rights of non-smokers to not get sick.

Now the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is proposing a sweeping ban on smoking in public housing inside and outside of apartments.

HUD has proposed a rule that would require the more than 3,100 public housing agencies across the country to make their properties smoke-free.

The CDC says nearly 18% of adult Americans, or 42 million people, still smoke cigarettes.

It’s the leading cause of preventable disease and death. In fact, 480,000 deaths every year in the U.S. are blamed on smoking.

16% of adults who are at or above the poverty line smoke, compared to 29@ of people living below the poverty line.

Joining us are Patrick Kwan, Director NYC Smoke-Free, and Ashley Engelman from the American Cancer Society.

 

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