TOBACCO-FREE CNY, JANUARY 6, 2025 – Tobacco-free policies offer many benefits to the community. These policies protect the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke, reduce the death and disease associated with smoking and secondhand smoke, protect the environment from tobacco waste, and promote a tobacco-free lifestyles.

At this time of year, many people engage in winter activities such as ice-skating or sledding at our local parks. Community members who spend time outdoors have a right to clean air without the presence of secondhand smoke. Smoke and secondhand smoke contain over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 that are known to cause cancer. Even in an outdoor setting, the presence of tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke can become equivalent to that of an indoor space. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke!

Making shared outdoor spaces smoke-free can reduce health risks for both adults and youth. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. Many health problems can arise from smoking and from even short exposure to secondhand smoke. In adults, the risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, multiple forms of cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes is higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers. Children exposed to secondhand smoke can experience immediate health effects such as respiratory and inflammatory effects, as well as long-term effects including respiratory infections, ear infections, and increased asthma attacks in children who have asthma. In infants, exposure can result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

In addition to the health risks, tobacco products have a harmful effect on our environment. Waste from tobacco products are packed full of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and nicotine. When littered, these chemicals contaminate waterways, water sources, and land. Cigarette butts are the most common littered item in the United States and are often found in parks/playgrounds, sidewalks, beaches, roadways, and more. Policies to deter smoking can also help reduce tobacco waste in the environment.

To learn more about tobacco use and its impact on our communities, tobacco waste, and secondhand smoke, visit the Tobacco-Free CNY website at tobaccofreecny.org.