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CDHD smokefree parks 8_11_10 MeridianPlaying Smoke - Free: Smoke-Free Policies for Outdoor Recreation Areas Joanne Graff, Health Education Specialist Central District Health Department 1 Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Build partnerships to work on tobacco prevention & policy Assist groups in creating tobacco-free environments to model and promote healthful lifestyles 2 Smoke-Free Parks Project Funding Source & Timeline Idaho Health and Welfare contracted with all 7 Idaho Public Health Districts to work on Smoke-Free Park Policy using grant money from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 1, 2010 through March 29, 2011 3 Smoking: The World Has Changed In 1965, 1/2 of adult men and 1/3 of adult women in the U.S. smoked And they did so… At work On airplanes During college classes In hotels and theaters In restaurants & bars In their homes Source of historical data: Lung cancer and smoking trends in the United States over the past 25 years L. Garfinkel and E. Silverberg CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians 1991;41;137-145 Updated June 11, 2007 CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians © American Cancer Society, Inc. Cigarette Smoking Rates 17.5% of Idaho adults living within Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties Smoke. 19.1% Idaho Adults Smoke 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 14.5% of Idaho High School Students Smoke. 2009 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance (YRBS) The majority of Idaho residents do not smoke! 5 Tobacco Policy Today… Worksites Schools Outdoor Recreation Hotels 79% of Idaho homes have “smoke-free rules” Many workplaces have tobacco-free campus wide policies that prohibit use even outside Treasure Valley Hospitals – Spring 2005 Central District Health Department – 7/1/2008 Boise State University Fall 2009 Schools have tobacco-free campus wide policies Bogus Basin has a smoke-free policy Even hotels have smoke-free polices: Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Walt Disney, Comfort Suites 79% of Idaho homes have “smoke-free rules” Smokefree Households: State-Specific Prevalence of Smoke-Free Home Rules --- United States, 1992--2003 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/p review/mmwrhtml/mm5620a3.htm Why Consider a Smoke-Free Policy? Parks promote healthy activities Children model adult behaviors Secondhand smoke is dangerous Cigarette litter is harmful Tobacco-free environments protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The purpose of public park areas is to promote community wellness, and tobacco-free policies fit with this idea. Most school districts prohibit tobacco use on their entire grounds, including athletic fields, and having a policy for city parks provides consistency. Welcome to Meridian Parks and Recreation Our Mission: The Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to enhance the community’s quality of life by providing well-designed and properly maintained parks and recreational opportunities for all citizens. 8 Welcome to Meridian Parks and Recreation April 5, 2010 The City of Meridian takes great pride in its park system to include amenities, open space, and an acceptable environment for use of all our facilities. 9 Secondhand Tobacco Smoke There is no safe level of exposure. Exposure has immediate health consequences (heart & lungs) Cancer, Asthma, SIDS Infants, children and older people especially vulnerable Causes cancer (lung cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers), heart disease, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, pre-term births, and other illnesses and health problems. Outdoor Secondhand Tobacco Smoke During smoking, outdoor smoke levels may be as high as indoor smoke levels. Being upwind from smoker outdoors does not eliminate the chemicals from the air. People are exposed to higher level of cancer-causing chemicals in outdoor areas when smoking is occurring. 11 Outdoor Secondhand Tobacco Smoke As secondhand smoke rises into the air, it becomes invisible and drops down to a lower level where people breathe in toxins from the unseen smoke. Stanford University 12 Cost to clean up swallowed by kids Cigarette butts are the most common litter in parks. An estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are tossed each year worldwide producing a significant amount of litter which is causing environmental harm Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic, that is slow to degrade in the environment (10 years). 13 Recreation Groups that Support Tobacco-Free Policies The National Alliance for Youth Sports and the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation state that parents must demand a tobacco, drug and alcohol-free environment. The National Youth Sports Coaches Association Code of Ethics states that each coach should provide a sports environment that is free of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. 14 Is This Concept New? • Nationally Smoke-Free Parks are not a new concept. • According to the American Nonsmoker’s Rights Foundation (www.no-smoke.org) there are over 450 municipalities with Smokefree Park Laws that cover the total park area. 15 Smoke-Free Parks in Idaho Ammon Emmett Hayden Melba Payette Rexburg Wilder Ammon- smoking/infraction Emmett – Ordinance, smoking (15 feet from playgrounds, infraction: $100 fine Hayden Melba Payette – Resolution/Policy, tobacco (playground, restrooms, public event, Greenway) Rexburg Ordinance, smoking (within 50 feet of any structure, bleacher, playground, or water facility), misdemeanor fine $25-$300, or jail max 30 days Wilder- Resolution/Policy, smoking Components of a Successful Policy Rationale List of all facilities/locations it covers What forms of tobacco use are prohibited? Enforcement plan User and staff notification signage Policies outline the specific outdoor recreational facilities that are covered (playgrounds, ball fields, etc.). Policies prohibit spectators and participants from using tobacco / smoking. Policies describe how facility users will be notified (user mailings, policy guidebooks, etc.). Policies outline how enforcement will occur. Policy or Ordinance? Park Policies Rules No fine Asked to refrain from using tobacco or leave the premises Ordinance Local government enactments Regulate people or property Penalty such as a fine 18 Which areas could be covered? Parks Playgrounds Athletic fields Skate/bike parks Trails Picnic Grounds Parking lots Other areas? 19 19 Meridian Parks and Recreation Settlers Park already has a smoke-free policy in the playground area. 20 Meridian Parks and Recreation Tully Park already has a smoke-free policy in the skate area. 21 It’s Good Public Policy!!!! Promote positive role modeling Ensure that participants and spectators are not exposed to secondhand smoke Reduce harmful cigarette litter The public supports these policies 22 Public Support - Ada County 3 Survey sites = 493 completed surveys 5/7/10 Boise Hawks Fan Fest – 161 7/10/10 Meridian Speedway – 265 8/6/10 Cable One Movie Night – 67 23 Public Support in Ada County! Agree or strongly agree that tobacco use should be prohibited : Tobacco use should be prohibited in the following places: Parks - 69% agree or strongly agree (Smokers Only: 49 surveyed = 34%) Playgrounds - 89% agree or strongly agree (Smokers Only: 49 surveyed = 84%) Outdoor sports facilities- 69% agree or strongly agree Public Support in Ada County! Agree or strongly agree that tobacco use should be prohibited: Tobacco use should be prohibited in the following places: Skateboard/bike parks 79% agree or strongly agree Hiking/biking trails - 70% agree or strongly agree Picnic grounds - 76% agree or strongly agree Survey Results in Ada County! Have you ever been bothered by secondhand smoke while visiting a Boise or Meridian City Park? Summary of three surveys completed with 493 surveys: Hawks 5/7/2010 , Speedway 7/10/2010, Movie Night 8/6/2010 Tobacco use should be prohibited in the following places: Parks - 69% agree or strongly agree (Smokers Only: 49 surveyed = 34%) Playgrounds - 89% agree or strongly agree (Smokers Only: 49 surveyed = 84%) Outdoor sports facilities- 69% agree or strongly agree Skateboard/bike parks 79% agree or strongly agree Hiking/biking trails - 70% agree or strongly agree Picnic grounds - 76% agree or strongly agree Frequency of Park visits 50% visit parks once a week 38% visit parks once a month 12% visit parks once a year Where Do You Live? 69% lived within community 23% lived within 20 miles of community Age: 3% were 6 – 10 years of age 25% were 11 – 17 years of age 8% were 18 – 24 years of age 41% were 25 – 39 years of age 17% were 40 – 50 years of age 6% were 51+ Smoking Status: 10% were smokers Bothered by secondhand smoke in park? 52 % had been bothered Beliefs in Idaho More than half of Idahoans surveyed support smoke free outdoor areas, especially when children are present. Source: Department of Health and Welfare 2009 58% of Boise residents recommend the City of Boise ban smoking in city parks & facilities. Source: Boise Parks & Recreation 2009 Comprehensive System Plan Survey 78% of South Central Public Health District Survey responses supported tobacco-free parks. Source: South Central Public Health District, June 2010 27 How are these policies enforced? Similar to other park policies, such as alcohol and litter policies, primary enforcement tool is signs. Educate & inform on Parks and Rec web-site, newsletters, activity brochures, policy manual. San Jose, CA experience – Ordinance – easier to enforce with a code on bottom of signage 85% - 95% compliance with signage Officers liked – could check out situation if looked suspicious Reason to approach Identified many with multiple warrants for arrest 28 How are these policies enforced? Reminders at coaches’ or parents’ meetings, or signed statements from teams, participants, coaches, and parents. Some ask violators to leave the park area for the remainder of the event. Most rely on peer enforcement, not police. 29 TECC Signage @ $12 each Aluminum 12” x 18” Order through Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California 30 Sample Bookmark & Policy Notification 31 Sample Bookmark & Policy Notification 32 Common Concerns surrounding Smoke-Free Policy Enforcement/Compliance Personal Rights Discrimination What will be prohibited next? 33 Are existing tobacco-free policies working? 2004 University of Minnesota survey of park directors in 100 Minnesota cities and counties with tobacco-free park policies. 88% reported no change in park usage 71% reported less smoking in parks 58% reported cleaner park areas 74% reported no problems with park users violating the policy 90% would recommend tobacco free policies to other communities 34 Ammon Their Smoke-Free Park Experience Park wide policy – 2 years Signage in high traffic areas only of parks larger than 1 acre (ball diamonds, playground equipment, shelters, swimming pools.) Most people comply Compliance enforced by patrons Employees are requested but not required to enforce. No confrontation. (Referrals to Ken are minimal) Employees not allowed to smoke in parks Would suggest policy for high traffic areas; because although their policy is park wide, they only enforce high traffic areas. May overlook if a patron is by themselves and not harming anyone. 7/22/10 Phone interview with Ken Knoch, Parks and Rec Director 35 Rexburg Their Smoke-Free Park Experience Citizens happy with policy – no complaints or opposition Even the smoker’s support Park wide ordinance – around 2 ½ - 3 years Signage: multiple signs for each park, facing each street. Suggested adding phone number to call if violation observed. Majority of people comply – visitors more likely to be non-compliant Compliance enforced by police department. Normal park surveillance Work off of complaints Typically start with verbal warning Employees not allowed to smoke in parks (only 2% smoke) 8/10/10 Phone interview with Natalie, Rexburg Complaints Officer 36 37 There is No Constitutional Right to Smoke Smokers are not a “protected class” such as race or gender It is not a violation of anti-discrimination laws to prohibit smoking. Smoking is a behavior – not a condition of birth -- so it is not protected from discrimination There is No Constitutional Right to Smoke: 2008 by Samantha K. Graff http:www.tobaccolawcenter.com/documents/constitutional-right.pdf 37 What’s Next? Outlawing Twinkies? “The health problems with sugar, fat, salt and alcohol stem from the misuse, overuse and abuse of these products.  Tobacco is the ONLY product that when used properly, as directed, leads to severe illness and premature death” Ferd Schlapper Executive Director Health, Wellness and Counseling Services Boise State University 2008 38 Options to Consider Park-wide Smoke-Free Policy Smoke-Free Policy for a specific area within the park such as Playground/Tot Lot areas only No change 39 Available Resources Policy Development & Implementation Resources Model Policy Examples of various park & recreation policies Free outdoor signage 40 Free Signs! Aluminum 12” x 18” Wording can be customized Contact Central District Health 327-8543 41 Free Signs! Aluminum 12” x 18” Wording can be customized Contact Central District Health 327-8543 42 Free Signs! Aluminum 18” square 27” on point Contact Central District Health 327-8543 43 Free Signs! Aluminum 18” square 27” on point Can be customized Contact Central District Health 327-8543 44 Consider Tobacco-free environments promote positive community role modeling and protect the health, safety, and welfare of community members. 45 46 For more information, contact: Joanne Graff, Health Educator Central District Health Department Jgraff@cdhd.idaho.gov Phone: 327-8543 Serving Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties “Healthy People in Healthy Communities” 47 Effect of Smokefree Air Ordinance on Smoking Prevalence and Cessation Adolescents who worked in a smokefree workplace were found to be 32% less likely to smoke than adolescents who worked in a workplace with no smoking restrictions. Household smoking restrictions were also found to significantly reduce adolescent cigarette consumption and increase cessation rates. Journal of American Medical Association, August 9, 2000. 48 Effect of Smokefree Air Ordinance on Smoking Prevalence and Cessation “Total prohibition of smoking in the workplace strongly affects industry volume. Smokers facing these restriction consumer 11 – 15% less than average and quit at a rate that is 84% higher than average…Milder workplace restrictions have much less impact on quitting rates and very little effect on consumption.” Philip Morris (1992) 49 Effect of Smokefree Air Ordinance on Smoking Prevalence and Cessation “The immediate implication for our business is clear: if our consumers have fewer opportunities to enjoy our products, they will use them less frequently and the result will be an adverse impact on our bottom line.” Philip Morris, July 8, 1994 50 Suggested Perimeter for Policy Idaho’s Clean Indoor Air Law April 2, 2004 Hospitals – twenty (20) foot non-smoking restriction at public entrances and exits to facilities. Schools – (private, public, elementary, secondary, and educational facilities including dorms) – twenty (20) foot non-smoking restriction at all of the entrances and exits of such building or facilities. Idaho Statutes. Title 39 Health and Safety. Chapter 55 Clean Indoor Air 51 Public Place Defined Idaho’s Clean Indoor Air Law April 2, 2004 “Public Place” means any enclosed indoor place or business, commerce, banking, financial service or other service-related activity, whether publicly or privately owned and whether operation for profit or not, to which persons not employed at the public place have general and regular access or which the public uses. Idaho Statutes. Title 39 Health and Safety. Chapter 55 Clean Indoor Air 52 Smoking Defined Idaho’s Clean Indoor Air Law April 2, 2004 “Smoking” includes the possession of any lighted tobacco product in any form. “Smoking area” means a designated area in which smoking is permitted. Idaho Statutes. Title 39 Health and Safety. Chapter 55 Clean Indoor Air 53 Violations Idaho’s Clean Indoor Air Law April 2, 2004 Asked to extinguish all lighted tobacco products. Asked to leave the premises. Refuses: infraction and subject of fine not to exceed $50. Violation may be reported to law enforcement officer. Idaho Statutes. Title 39 Health and Safety. Chapter 55 Clean Indoor Air 54 Local Provision Idaho’s Clean Indoor Air Law April 2, 2004 Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to prevent local, county or municipal governments from adopting ordinances or regulations more restrictive than the provisions contained herein. Idaho Statutes. Title 39 Health and Safety. Chapter 55 Clean Indoor Air 55