Smoking ban proposed for Australian apartment balconies

Australians might be banned from smoking on the balconies of their own apartments under proposed changes to laws, media reported Tuesday.

The Queensland state government commissioned a research which has shown that smoke can travel across apartments' blocks, forcing non- smokers to keep their windows closed.

The Queensland University of Technology research suggests that local governing powers could impose a smoking ban on areas like balconies.

"On a balcony, it can be a nuisance. You can even smell it two or three floors up," said researcher Bill Duncan.

According to the study, asthmatics living in apartment buildings are affected by heavy smokers living in nearby apartments.

The research carried out by the Cancer Council said inhaling other people's smoke can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer by 30 percent.

The public consultation on the issue will close Jan 30.