TECC Portfolio 2022-2023

Fresno County Tobacco Prevention Program

BEFORE

AFTER

Smokefree Outdoor Areas Are Healthier

Secondhand Smoke ( SHS ) Exposure in Outdoor Areas

Parks and outdoor public spaces are a refuge for children and adults. Prohibiting smoking in these areas can create a better experience and environment for all residents. Eliminating smoking at outdoor areas, can also protect people from the negative health effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Read below to learn more about benefits of adopting smoke-free outdoor areas.

Parks and outdoor public spaces are special places that boost the overall health and happiness of a whole community—children, youth, adults, and seniors. When we make these outdoor areas smokefree, we help protect everyone from the health problems caused by secondhand smoke.

Some benefits of smokefree outdoor areas include:

Minimize Litter and Pollution

Decrease Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Reduce Negative Health Effects

Cleaner air Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. Some

Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the entire world and make up 34% of the litter collected in California. Most cigarette butts are made of plastic and have been proven to be slow to decompose and costly to clean up. In addition, children often pick up

There are more than 7,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke including hundreds of chemicals that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. Some of the chemicals include butane, ammonia, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide

In adults secondhand smoke can cause heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke, for instance, babies exposure are more likely to die from infant death syndrome. Babies and children who are exposure are more likely to be sick of bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.

of these chemicals include butane, ammonia, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide. 1

Cleaner environment Cigarette butts make up 34% of the litter collected in California—they are the most littered item in the entire

“...involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke remains a serious public health hazard that can be prevented by making homes, workplaces, and public places completely smoke-free.“ - Michael O. Leavitt, Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

world. Most cigarette butts are plastic, which is slow to decompose and costly to clean up. This litter is especially dangerous for children who might pick it up and put it in their mouth. 2 Healthier people

cigarette butts and could possible place them in their mouth.

“ ...involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke remains a serous public health hazard that can be prevented by making homes, workplaces, and public places completely smoke - free. ”

Breathing secondhand smoke is never safe. Adults who breathe secondhand smoke are at risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Children are especially vulnerable

MICHAEL O. LEAVITT Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

to secondhand smoke—they are more likely to be sick with bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections. Babies are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 3

Instagram: @tobaccofreeoc Website: https://www.partners4wellness.org Phone Number: (949) 595-2288

National Cancer Institute.(2017, December 19). Harms of cigarette smoking and health benefits of quitting. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact sheet#:~:text=Of%20the%20more%20than%207%2C000,least%2069%20can%20cause%20cancer. Tobacco Free CA. (2021, July 23). Cigarette butts are toxic waste. https://tobaccofreeca.com/environment/cigarette butts-are-toxic-waste/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, February 27). Health effects of secondhand smoke. https://bit.ly/3JiqUgz

© 2022. California Department of Public Health. Funded under contract #20-10383. See back for sources.

TECC Portfolio 2022 - 2023

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