The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit backs a resolution calling for more information for stakeholders who want to provide tenants with smoke-free housing options.
Manager of Chronic Disease and Prevention Kristy McBeth says it's not about taking away rights from smokers.
"About one-third of multi-unit housing residents have been reported for being exposed to second-hand smoke on a regular basis," she says. "This is a really important public health information piece to get people to understand not only the benefits of smoke-free housing, but also what they can do to work towards it."
McBeth cites a survey from 2011 which says 80% of respondents would choose smoke-free housing if it were an option.
"It's a serious problem for many people living in apartments and condominiums and it can be especially important for those suffering from chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma or allergies."
She says other cities, like Waterloo and Peterborough, are already moving in that direction. Peterborough has numberous smoke-free housing policies.
