HUD's smoking ban - opinion

MINDER JOACHIM (S180096) The smoking ban of the U.S. federal government in public housing seems legitimate The federal government of the United States decided in December 2016 to prohibit public housing tenants from smoking, which generated much criticism, as well as much support, making this decision controversial. While it is viewed by some as an intrusion in people’s homes and private lives, others think that the measure of the government is sensible and justifiable. In order to reach higher rates of cessation, to improve the health and the financial situation of each public housing tenant, this decision was inevitable. Even though one of the major objectives of prohibiting public housing tenants from smoking is “to protect public health1”, this act may additionally make it easier for smokers to quit, but how is it possible? The ban on smoking might actually help them quit, for it makes it more difficult for smokers to light a cigarette whenever they want. Reducing smoking habits is definitely a crucial step in the process of quitting. Indeed, a newly-lead study has shown that smoking restrictions are obviously linked to successful quitting attempts. Furthermore, on the question of the total smoking ban, the cessation is even more successful.2 Reforming the smoking policy of public housing may hence be a good way of reducing smoking habits of the tenants and this ban will definitely carry beneficial consequences. Moreover, although this decision could be considered a deprivation of liberty by those tenants, it can only be positive for their health. As Zechariah Chafee wrote in 1919: “Your right to swing your arms ends just where the other man’s nose begins”. As far as health is concerned, not only for smokers is this ban positive. Smoking, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, may cause many health problems, among which asthma attacks, stroke, heart disease, lung