Agenda - 11-20-2012 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Attachment 2 Orange County Board of Health Smoke-Free Public Places Rule Frequently Asked Questions Q. Why is the Orange County Board of Health(BOH)considering a Smoke-Free Public Places Rule? Health impacts • Everyone has the right to breathe clean air in public places. • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure are leading preventable causes of illness and premature death in North Carolina and the nation. • There are solutions to the health and environmental impacts of smoking. After restaurants and bars became smoke- free in NC,average weekly emergency room visits by people experiencing heart attacks decreased by 21%. Dangers of secondhand smoke • Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic(such as formaldehyde, arsenic and lead)and about 70 can cause cancer. • In 2006, a report issued by the United States Surgeon General stated that the scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke and that secondhand smoke has been proven to cause cancer, heart disease, and asthma attacks in both smokers and nonsmokers. • The CDC advises that all individuals with coronary heart disease or known risk factors for coronary heart disease should avoid all indoor environments that permit smoking. Healthy Orange • As the 2nd healthiest county in North Carolina,the Board of Health feels it is in the best interest of our citizens and those who visit Orange County to be provided with a healthy and smoke-free environment. Q. Why is the BOH considering smoke-free outdoor areas? Impact of secondhand smoke outdoors • Research indicates that, during active smoking,outdoor levels of secondhand smoke may be as high as indoor levels and may pose a health risk for people in close proximity (such as those sitting beside someone on a park bench). • The 2006 U.S.Surgeon General's report states that"Breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be harmful." • The Surgeon General has concluded that the only way to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke is through 100%smoke-free environments. Cleaner environment • Cigarette butts are the most commonly littered item in America. • Outdoor smoke-free policies have been shown to decrease litter and therefore, reduce clean-up costs at outdoor areas. It's good for our youth • Creating smoke-free environments reduces opportunities for youth to learn the behavior of smoking. Q. How does the proposed new rule differ from existing laws and ordinances? • The proposed rule would broaden what is currently in effect to include places such as government grounds, parks, recreational facilities and any enclosed facility where the public is invited such as lobbies and other common areas.