Cook County public housing goes smoke-free

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Starting Tuesday, all public housing in Cook County will be smoke-free.

The new policy comes as the Housing Authority of Cook County announces plans to renovate two high-rise buildings in Skokie. After surveying their residents, they found more than half of them supported smoke-free buildings.

"This is an important step for the health of our residents, as Dr. Mason can attest, and should serve as an example for public housing developments around the nation," Cook County Pres. Toni Preckwinkle said.

Smoking is not be allowed in public areas of the housing sites or in units. Smokers have to be 25 feet from doorways and windows.