Secondhand smoke
As people enjoy the health benefits of smoke-free air indoors, it is only natural to want to enjoy those same benefits in outdoor areas, especially where people gather for recreation.
Secondhand smoke exposure is just one reason why communities are adopting smoke-free laws aimed at parks, playgrounds, trails and beaches. Negative health effects caused by secondhand smoke are numerous and may lead to serious illnesses such as respiratory infection, asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Cigarette litter is another reason for the need to adopt smoke-free parks, playgrounds and beach ordinances. Discarded cigarettes are dangerous due to the high level of toxins. They pollute the land and water and may be ingested by toddlers, pets, birds, or fish. Cigarettes are also the number one cause of outdoor pollution.
Kim Singh, Health Officer of the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD), also indicated, “There are also strong environmental reasons for expanding smoke-free policies to outdoor venues. Parks are about clean air, natural beauty and engaging in healthy lifestyles.”
Benefits of such policies include:
· Protects children from cigarette and tobacco waste
· Protects residents and visitors from secondhand smoke
· Models a healthy lifestyle for youth
· Provides a healthy environment for recreation use
As we get closer to spring, Singh encourages municipalities to consider adopting smoke-free recreation policies and serve as a healthy role model for others.
According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke. For more information on the dangers of second hand smoke, visit www.epa.gov/smokefree.