Tobacco use in outdoor areas such as parks, playgrounds and beaches is dangerous to the environment, presents a health risk to non-smoking adults and children and is not consistent with the tobacco-free norm in New York State. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure is dangerous, even outside. Restricting outdoor use of tobacco and vapor products reduces the visibility and social acceptability of tobacco use, promoting health equity and a smoke-free community.
Discarded cigarette butts contain the tars absorbed by the filter and levels of bacteria from smoker’s mouths and lungs. Therefore, posing a health hazard to small children who often pick up items off the ground and place them in their mouths.
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 are the most common form of litter and can take decades to decompose.
Tobacco use in outdoor areas such as parks, playgrounds and beaches is dangerous to the environment, presents a health risk to non-smoking adults and children and is not consistent with the tobacco-free norm in New York State. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure is dangerous, even outside. Restricting outdoor use of tobacco and vapor products reduces the visibility and social acceptability of tobacco use, promoting health equity and a smoke-free community.
Our goal is to educate New Yorkers about the benefits of tobacco free outdoor recreational areas. POW’R Against Tobacco is working to establish more tobacco free outdoor recreational spaces including parks, playground , business, colleges and other grounds
See a list of Smoke-Free Spaces in NYS:
Services We Provide
Contact us to be provided with:
- Tobacco-Free Outdoor Toolkits
- Educational presentations and materials
- Technical assistance in creating outdoor tobacco and vape use policies
- Free signage
