Politics & Government

Legislators Applaud NY Playground Smoking Ban

State takes action to prevent children from inhaling secondhand smoke at playgrounds.

While most may think of playgrounds as a safe place, some believe they can be made dangerous when children are forced to inhale secondhand smoke.

That’s why New York State Legislators and health advocates are praising Gov. Andrew Cuomo for approving a bill that would ban smoking on public playgrounds.

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“Smoking is far too common in places where children are playing and being active,” said New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef of the 95th Assembly District, in a press release. “This type of behavior sets a dangerous example; playgrounds should be looked to as a place that promotes healthy living and positive choices for our children. Smoking in playgrounds works directly against this concept."

The new law prevents smoking between sunrise and sunset at public playgrounds in New York where children under 12-years-old play.

"This is common sense legislation that will shield our children from the harmful and dangerous health effects of secondhand smoke," said New York State Sen. David Carlucci of the 38th Senate District, in a press release.  "New York State must take the lead when it comes to promoting health and wellness, and I can think of no more obvious choice than our public playgrounds where our families come to congregate.”

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Smoking on playgrounds can be exceptionally harmful since children are being exposed to the smoke during a crucial development period and young children are more likely to place items found on the ground into their mouths, like cigarette butts which are poisonous and could lead to severe illness.

“We hope this policy will help reduce preventable health issues in our children and adults alike,” said Dr. Thomas T. Lee the immediate past president of the Westchester County Medical Society, in a press release.

The New York City Department of Health reports that smoking in certain City parks declined by two-thirds between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2011 one year after implementing a ban and that smoking-related litter on beaches declined the same amount between the summer of 2010 and 2011.

“July 24th is the tenth anniversary of the Clean Indoor Air Act,” said Maureen Kenney, Director, POW’R Against Tobacco, American Lung Association of the Northeast. “Tobacco legislation such as this shows the progression of how far we have come with tobacco control efforts in New York State and a reminder that there is always more work to be done, like addressing the impact of tobacco marketing on our youth.”

Municipalities like the Town of Ossining have also reported changes in behavior at its parks where a smoking ban was enacted in June 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 126 million non-smokers are exposed to second-hand smoke in homes, vehicles, work and public places, while almost 60 percent of U.S. children aged 3 to 11-years-old, or 22 million children, are exposed to second hand smoke.

"POW’R Against Tobacco supports the expansion of smoke free outdoor spaces; not only in playgrounds but, 100% smoke free outdoor recreation areas and public spaces as well. This is a positive step towards reducing secondhand smoke exposure and creating healthier communities," said Makeda James the Westchester County Coordinator of POW’R Against Tobacco, in the press release.


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