Tobacco Action Coalition LI calls for more tobacco free outdoor space

As Fall is approaching and Long Islanders begin to indulge in Fall outdoor activities in local parks and outdoor recreational areas, more must be done to protect their lung health from the impact of second-hand smoke. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a Class A Carcinogen placing it in the same category as radon, benzene, and asbestos. Smoking cigarettes is known to cause heart and lung disease and vaping has been linked to causing harm to the lungs and weakening the immune system. There is no safe amount of second-hand smoke.

Cigarette butts contain over 165 chemicals, are not biodegradable and are harmful to the environment. Nearly all cigarette butts are made up of plastic like cellulose acetate fibers and can take decades to decompose. Within an hour of contact with water, cigarette butts can begin leaching chemicals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic into the marine environment. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds, and other marine animals, leading to ingestion of hazardous chemicals and digestive blockages. Cigarette butts not properly extinguished can cause fires and at beach clean ups they are the most usual form of trash found.

In addition to the numerous negative environmental effects of tobacco use in outdoor areas there are also several damaging health effects of outdoor secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 substances, over 70 which are known to cause cancer in humans and many of which are strong irritants. Small amounts of secondhand smoke to a child playing at the beach or the playgrounds can trigger allergies, asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Because children’s lungs are smaller, they breath in 50% more air pollution than an adult making them more susceptible to the dangers associated with tobacco use even if outdoors. Secondhand smoke is an asthma trigger and can also have a negative impact on those with respiratory issues.

Secondhand E-Cigarette Emissions are Not Safe. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have warned about the risks of inhaling secondhand e-cigarette emissions. In 2016, the Surgeon General concluded that secondhand emissions contain, nicotine; ultrafine particles; flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead. And, the Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit.

Policies and rules that provide for Tobacco- and vape-free spaces reduce secondhand smoke exposure and cigarette pollution making outdoor recreational areas a healthier environment for families and individuals to enjoy. Currently over 480 municipalities in New York State have passed regulations restricting tobacco use in outdoor recreational areas.

Many Long Island communities have enacted such policies. Has yours?

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The Tobacco Action Coalition of LI is one of 21 Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities grants funded by the NYS DOH’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and administered by the American Lung Association. Our grant is comprised of a community engagement and youth action component, Reality Check, working collaboratively to promote environments open to creating a tobacco-free norm as well as educating and empowering our youth to become change agents within their communities.