The U.S. government has just passed an absolutely huge ban on smoking that applies nationwide. U.S. Housing and Urban Development has enacted new regulations that will require new public housing developments to be completely smoke free, and they will assist 3,100 public housing agencies put these new regulations in place over the next year and a half.

There will be a complete ban on tobacco products from cigarettes to pipes to cigars in any units or common areas that are run by HUD. The ban will extend to 25 feet away from housing and administrative buildings, according to the HUD announcement.

HUD met with administrators, tenant advocates and others before coming to their decision. Officials believe the transition will be a smooth one because they were already encouraging local HUD administrators to adopt smoke free policies in 2009. This move makes it mandatory, however. Authorities hope that it will lead to better health among tenants as well as lower the risk of fire damage, as cigarettes are major risk factor in accidental fires.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, healthy home free from harmful second-hand cigarette smoke,” said Secretary Julian Castro. “HUD’s smoke-free rule is a reflection of our commitment to using housing as a platform to create healthy communities. By working collaboratively with public housing agencies, HUD’s rule will create healthier homes for all of our families and prevent devastating and costly smoking-related fires.”

“My office has long warned the public about the dangers of smoking, including second-hand smoke,” said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy. “For children who are exposed to second-hand smoke, it can mean everything from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and ear infections to asthma. Protecting our children and families from the devastation caused by secondhand smoke must be a priority for all sectors of our society, including public housing.