The demand as well as the supply for smoke-free rental properties appears to be growing in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Smoke-Free Housing Registry, 319 properties are now listed.

These properties have at a minimum one building with a 100 percent smoke-free policy, with no grandfathered residents. In August of 2013, 126 properties were listed in the Registry.

The 2008 Iowa Smoke-Free Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within places of employment, as well as some outdoor areas. While apartment and rental units are not covered by the Act, many landlords have chosen to designate smoke-free units in their properties.

This decision is beneficial to public health, as several researchers have concluded that residual tobacco smoke, called third-hand smoke, combines with indoor pollutants, mixes and settles with dust, drifts down into carpeting and even makes its way into the porous material in paneling and drywall. Even these third-hand fumes can be harmful, especially to small children.

Rental managers who choose to offer smoke-free units are also making a wise business decision. Nearly 75 percent of Iowans surveyed said they would choose a smoke-free apartment building. “I was reluctant at first, but our local Smoke-Free Homes contact helped me understand the benefits of this policy,” said Mary Koepke, who manages the 132-unit Ridge Oaks Apartment complex in Sioux City. “She even provided me with signage so I could advertise the fact that our apartments are smoke-free. By far, this is one of the most positive things we’ve ever done.”

Iowans who are searching for a smoke-free rental property can see the Smoke-Free Housing Registry at www.smoke-freehomes.iowa.gov/Find.aspx.

For more general information about smoke-free homes, visit www.smoke-freehomes.iowa.gov/Default.aspx or call 1-800-798-0203