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TOBACCO FREE OUTDOORS
Enjoy a Breath of Fresh Air
Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke improves the quality of air we share within publicly accessible spaces such as parks, recreational areas, and playgrounds. Preventing and reducing tobacco use is the most important public health action we can take to improve the health of all Livingston and Monroe County residents.
Outdoor spaces should be safe.
Each day children in Monroe County will visit our parks to use the playground equipment, play team sports, or just be outside with their friends and family.
Cigarette butts are hazardous.
Many cigarette butts end up on the ground. Young children may pick up the butts and put them in their mouth, possibly choking or burning themselves. The harmful chemicals and nicotine in discarded cigarettes can be toxic and even fatal to a small child. They also pose environmental implications to the cleanliness, attractiveness, and safety of our shared outdoor spaces.
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Secondhand smoke is harmful.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from colds, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Secondhand smoke is especially dangerous to children and adults with asthma or chronic illnesses.
What you can do to make Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas Smoke-Free?
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Join community members throughout Monroe County who are speaking out.
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Contact your local government representatives through letter, email or phone calls and express your support for Smoke-Free Parks and Playgrounds.
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Join our local coalition working on this issue.
OUTDOOR TOBACCO USE POLICIES
Parks, playgrounds, beaches and other recreational areas should be places that people can go to enjoy the outdoors, breathe fresh air and exercise. They should not have to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Another public health concern is tobacco litter which is hazardous to children and wildlife.
PROTECT OURSELVES
PROTECT OUR SPACES
PARKS & RECREATIONAL AREA TOBACCO POLICIES
Currently over 460 municipalities in New York State have passed regulations restricting tobacco use in outdoor recreational areas.
Advancing Tobacco Free Communities are working to establish more tobacco free outdoor areas around clubs, businesses, college campuses and other grounds. Contact your local ATFC partners for sample policies, signage and/or assistance in creating outdoor tobacco use policies.