Tobacco Free Housing

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is helping increase the number of multi-unit housing complexes that are smoke free. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to make public housing nationwide smoke free, and Lucas County already has made strides. The health department has helped more than 30 complexes go smoke-free, 29 of those through Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority and Vistula Management Company.

To help multi-unit complexes, we offer a variety of free services:

• Assistance with drafting and establishing a smoke-free policy.
• A resident survey to determine their views on going smoke free.
• Advice about how to enforce smoke-free policies.
• Smoking cessation education so residents know what resources are available to help them quit.

Research indicates residents of multi-unit housing complexes are at elevated risk for exposure to secondhand smoke, which can cause cancer, heart disease and other health conditions. Guests and staff also can be affected by secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke can migrate among units through the walls, wiring, plumbing, and ventilation systems, and as well as underneath doors. Additionally, tobacco smoke can cause significant property damage and expense for owners. Costs to clean a smoke-damaged unit can be two to seven times more expensive than one vacated by a non-smoker.