LI County Proposes Banning Smoking In Apartments [POLL]

Lawmakers in one Long Island county are considering whether to ban smoking inside apartment units. The idea behind it is to curb the exposure to second-hand smoke.

If enacted, the law would ban smoking in apartment buildings, condominiums and multi-family dwellings, CBSNewYork reported.

Another proposed law would not be as strict, limiting smoking in areas where smoke could enter through common ventilation, such as balconies and patios, News 12 Long Island said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites and public places, and that most exposure to secondhand smoke occurs in homes and workplaces.

The agency also said that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure, adding that even brief exposure can be harmful to health.

Dr. William Spencer, a Democrat who represents the 18th District in Suffolk County, told News 12 that he understands the danger of secondhand smoke.

He said he doesn't want to penalize those who own their own home but may have limited mobility and can't smoke outside.

However, Samuel Gonzalez, a Democrat who represents the 9th District in Suffolk, said he has heard from the elderly and parents of newborns who are concerned about secondhand smoke.

He told the New York Post that the county needs to protect the way of life of those individuals who want to live smoke-free in their homes.

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.