Smoke-Free Public Housing in Lake County, Ill.
Leonard Lamkin, MPA
A senior citizen tired of holding a tissue over her mouth to combat secondhand smoke infiltrating her apartment, raised these concerns for over the last five years. The 83-year-old lung cancer survivor and former smoker can breathe more easily now.
On Sunday, May 8, 2011, eight Lake County owned senior public housing complexes went smoke-free. The Lake County Housing Authority Executive Director has been quoted as saying, “We stepped up in order to protect our residents.” They are working with the county health department to offer smoking cessation advice to those who want it. About a dozen have quit so far. First-time violators are fined $100. Residents, visitors and staff must also be at least 20 feet away from doorways in order to smoke. The housing authority believes it will reduce the costs of cleanings and re-painting apartments as well as reduce fire hazards.
The remaining county owned public housing is scheduled to come under the ban on May 1, 2012. Lake County has become the largest in Illinois to outlaw smoking throughout entire buildings including tenants’ own apartments. Chicago and Cook County have no such ordinance.
Other Lake County community smoke-free ordinances include Buffalo Grove, which bans smoking on park district property, Deerfield at outdoor events, public park grounds, beaches, outdoor venues & events, miniature golf courses, public golf driving ranges, vehicle platforms, gas stations, City Hall & library campus in Highland Park and Lake Bluff, and fixed seating of outdoor arenas, within 25 feet of park district playgrounds, skate parks, & athletic fields in Vernon Hills.