That's the question the city council will be asking residents as it considers introducing a smoke-free environment policy.

The council voted at its October ordinary meeting to undertake public consultation on the introduction of such a policy, with input from the community to be considered by the council before any decisions are made.

The issue was raised following discussions at a council workshop regarding a possible no-smoking policy at council facilities including footways and sporting grounds.

A report prepared by the council's senior environmental health officer Philip Martin said as of May this year, 58 councils in New South Wales ? or 38 per cent ? had a smoke-free policy in certain council-owned or controlled areas, including almost two thirds of metropolitan councils and 28 per cent of regional councils.

The report said there was substantial evidence linking exposure to second-hand smoke with a range of serious and life-threatening health impacts including heart disease, cancer, asthma and other respiratory problems.

"Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections and ear problems," Mr Martin wrote.

While most of the evidence relates to indoor exposure, there is emerging evidence on how smoking affects air quality in outdoor locations such as alfresco caf?s and playgrounds, the report said.

"A recent study which measured cigarette smoke levels in a variety of outdoor locations showed that a person sitting near a smoker in an outdoor area could be exposed to levels of cigarette smoke similar to the exposure of someone sitting in an indoor tavern where smoking is allowed," Mr Martin wrote.

"Therefore, the second-hand smoke in outdoor areas where people tend to congregate, such as alfresco dining areas, sports stadiums and concert venues... can present a real health risk to patrons and staff."