Beginning on Monday, smoking is banned at New York City Housing Authority buildings.
The new policy from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookah pipes within 25 feet of buildings. People are even prevented from smoking in their own homes.
The ban impacts hundreds of thousands of NYCHA residents.
New York City officials said the change will protect people from exposure to second hand smoke. They said adults who don’t smoke but are exposed to second hand smoke have higher risks of stroke, heart disease and lung cancer. Children exposed to second hand smoke are also more likely to suffer asthma attacks, along with respiratory and ear infections.
The NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment has filed a lawsuit to stop the smoking ban. The group argues that people should be allowed to smoke in their own home.
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