15 Reasons Parks & Playgrounds
Should be Tobacco-Free

1. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death.
   
   
2. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
   
   
3. Secondhand smoke leads to many serious illnesses including asthma, respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease.
   
   
4. When children see adults smoking in family-friendly places such as parks and playgrounds, they see the behavior as acceptable and are more likely to mimic the behavior.
   
   
5. A critical component in addressing youth smoking is to create an environment in which tobacco use is not considered the norm in adult society.
   
   
6. Parks are about clean air, natural beauty and engaging in healthy activities.
   
   
7. Kids should be able to play without being directly exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. 
   
   
8. Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter.
   
   
9. Cigarette butts are hazardous to children, animals and the environment: children who ingest discarded cigarette butts are at risk for toxic poisoning, choking or burning themselves.
   
   
10. Cigarette butt cleanup is costly to taxpayers.
    
    
11. Over 80% of adult residents in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties favor smoke-free playgrounds. 
    
    
12. In Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady County, more than 80% of the adults do not smoke.
    
    
13. NYS kids who become new daily smokers each year: 27,700
    
    
14. Nearly 90% of adult smokers began at or before the age of 18.
    
    
15. It is common sense to protect children where they play and socialize.