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New York City Woman Sued for Smoking—at Home

Neighbors allege health risk from smoke that seeped into hallway

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2008 9:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Forget bans in bars and restaurants—Galila Huff’s neighbors want to stop her from smoking in her own apartment. The New York restaurateur smokes up to two packs a day, and lawyers who live 50 feet down the hall say the smoke seeps into their 10x100-foot common hallway. They sued her for endangering their heath in a case that got the attention of ABC's 20/20.

In the year the lawsuit has loomed, Huff insulated her apartment and bought 4 air purifiers. But when asked just how pristine the apartment air needs to be in a pretty smelly city, the lawyers asked how Huff, a Chihuahua owner, “would react if we put dog poison in the shared hallway?” Huff Thursday agreed to a list of settlement demands—including one that she will not seek any more publicity.

It is illegal in New York to smoke in restaurants and bars.
It is illegal in New York to smoke in restaurants and bars.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
New York state bans smoking in all restaurants and bars. Now Galila Huff is facing a lawsuit for smoking in her apartment.
New York state bans smoking in all restaurants and bars. Now Galila Huff is facing a lawsuit for smoking in her apartment.   (Index Stock)
Galila Huff says she has taken steps to insulate her apartment, to prevent smoke from traveling into the hallways.
Galila Huff says she has taken steps to insulate her apartment, to prevent smoke from traveling into the hallways.   (Index Stock)
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