& With the new year, some people may be trying to kick a bad habit - like smoking. Pierce County health officials hope to help by launching a new campaign to promote smoke-free housing. &

Pierce County has been working with landlords to develop healthier living options for tenants. The new intiative provides rental properties with no-smoking sign and guidance on how to write a lease with smoking restrictions.

"Getting rid of smoking inside units reduces clean-up to half, reduced property insurance rates and fire hazards - alot of benefits," said Frank Dibiase with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

The new smoke-free campaign is not a law or a ban, but the county is providing one major incentive. The county will put smoke-free properties on its county website registry, where renters are encouraged to look.

Smokers argue their rights are being taken away, but others admit they actually prefer living in a smoke-free house.

"I think it's good cause you should worry about the kids," said Mary Flood, smoker. "If you don't have kids, then its up to you."

"There's still available in Pierce County places where smokers can go," said Dibiase. "What we're trying to do is increase the choices for non-smokers. We know the majority of people in the county are non-smokers and majority of renters are looking for smoke free housing."

Dibiase says the leading preventable cause of death in Pierce County is smoking.

For more information:

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department - Smoke-Free Housing

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