Why Are Smoke-Free Parks Important?

Throughout Salt Lake County there are over 300 parks that children frequent to use playground equipment, play team sports, or spend time with family and friends.  These parks should be clean, safe places that protect our children from danger and health hazards, including secondhand smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a group A carcinogen, meaning there is no safe level of exposure.^[1]  Secondhand smoke in outdoor public places can reach levels as high as those found in indoor facilities where smoking is permitted.^[2]  Even five minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can cause negative health effects.^[1]  Secondhand smoke can also become a nuisance to the majority of those using the park.  In Utah 84.6% of adults are non-smokers.

Cigarette litter also poses a hazard in Salt Lake County Several trillions of cigarettes are littered worldwide each year, making them the most littered item in the world. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable; the filter tips take many years to decompose.^[3]  Cigarette litter can also be ingested by children and animals, which can lead to serious health effects.

Smoke-free parks are important “For the Health of Our Children”.