More than 500 New York municipalities have adopted tobacco-free outdoor area policies and the list is growing. There are many benefits resulting from tobacco-free public spaces, including protecting the community from the harmful and damaging effects of secondhand smoke, reducing cigarette butt litter, and communicating a positive message to the community that tobacco use is not compatible with an active, healthy lifestyle. Moreover, across the state and in the Southern Tier, municipalities that have adopted policies report high satisfaction with their policies and positive public response.
Why should parks/playgrounds be tobacco-free?
Children model adult behavior.
When children see adults smoking in family-friendly places such as parks and playgrounds, they see smoking as acceptable.
Secondhand smoke is harmful.
Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with 70 known to cause cancer.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from upper respiratory problems and ear infections.
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful for children with asthma.
There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure.
Cigarette butts are hazardous.
Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world.
Small children can pick up littered cigarette butts and put them in their mouths, which can cause choking, burns, or nicotine poisoning.
Cigarette butt cleanup is costly to taxpayers.
What can be done to make our communities tobacco-free?
The Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition invites all municipalities in Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties to help eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in our public spaces. The Coalition can assist municipalities and parks & recreation directors to:
Develop a local law, ordinance, policy or resolution that prohibits all forms of tobacco use in parks and playgrounds or specific areas within the town or village;
Develop an enforcement plan that includes signage (provided free of cost!); and/or
Develop a plan to notify and educate staff as well as the general public.
For more information or to participate in this healthy initiative, contact us or call (607)737-2858.
Resources:
Benefits of Tobacco-Free Outdoor Municipal Spaces Handout