PIH Notice 2012-25: Non-Smoking Policies in Public Housing

Summary:  HUD's notice is a reissuance of PIH Notice 2009-21 which strongly encourages Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to implement smoke-free policies in some or all of their public housing units. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease in the United States. The elderly and young populations, as well as people with chronic illnesses, are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of smoking. This concern was addressed by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, P.L. 111-31, signed by the President on June 22, 2009. It is possible for Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) to migrate between units in multifamily housing, causing respiratory illness, heart disease, cancer, and other adverse health effects for those living in neighboring residences. Therefore the Department is encouraging PHAs to adopt smoke-free policies. By reducing the public health risks associated with tobacco use, this notice will enhance the effectiveness of the Department’s efforts to provide increased public health protection for residents of public housing. The Department is currently developing additional guidance to assist PHAs with the consideration and adoption of smoke-free policies.

Date of Publication:  May 29, 2012

View the notice here.