Tacoma Public Housing To Become Smoke-Free

Tacoma’s public housing is becoming completely smoke-free. Right now residents can’t smoke in common areas. But beginning March 1, 2013 residents won’t be allowed to smoke in their apartments. The ban also includes outdoor areas like patios and balconies.

The agency’s executive director says the decision was driven by health concerns from secondhand smoke and fire risks. There are financial costs, too. The price of insurance and clean-up are expensive. The agency has also teamed up with the local health department and with Tobacco Free Alliance of Pierce County to offer help to residents who want to quit smoking.

The Tacoma Housing Authority joins other public housing agencies around the country to ban smoking. Seattle Housing Authority’s no-smoking policy took effect in February.