Communities across California are adopting comprehensive smoke-free policies, including the largest cities. Smoke-Free policies reduce public exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke (SHS) is the third leading cause of preventable death. The U.S. Surgeon General has determined that secondhand tobacco smoke is toxic, and there is no safe level of exposure. The only way to fully protect yourself is to stay in a 100% smoke-free environment. Currently there are no protections in the City of Fortuna beyond the state smoke-free workplace law. A policy update in Fortuna could include:
Smoke-Free Entryways. This policy affects high density housing and business areas. Smoking near doorways and windows can expose people to toxic secondhand smoke indoors and outdoors. The vast majority of people are non-smokers, and toxic air may prevent people from patronizing businesses. SHS is especially damaging to children and people with asthma or heart disease. The model policy eliminates smoking within 30 feet of an opening to a building.
Smoke-Free Recreation Areas & Public Events. Some cities that now have smoke-free entryways allow people to smoke if just passing by. However, this provision may not work when there are many people grouped in an area away from buildings, such as a community plaza or picnic area. By making recreation areas and community events smoke-free, non-smokers are protected. This policy is especially important for family-oriented places like Rohner Park or where young people attend events such as Fireworks displays or Parades along Main Street.
Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing. People need protections in the places they live. Sometimes smoke is seeping through walls and attic spaces. Other times smoke can come from a common hallway or through windows. People have been forced to move, sell their property, or suffer ill health because of secondhand tobacco smoke in their home. Smoke-free multi-unit housing includes all units with adjoining walls, common areas, and decks and patios where smoke can drift into neighboring units. Any apartment owner can declare the property entirely non-smoking, which often reduces insurance and cleaning costs. Finally, declaring SHS a public nuisance can help non-smokers clear the air where enforcement is lacking or specific policy provisions do not apply.
Public support is strong. For example, 73% of California voters support a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public spaces. 71% of rural and small town voters in Northern California support a smoking ban at outdoor events. Often surprising to many, local and statewide surveys have shown that the majority of smokers support these types of clean air policies. This is because they know the policy will help them cut down or quit. And, smokers often feel very strongly about preventing young people from ever becoming addicted to nicotine.
Stay informed about what is happening in YOUR COMMUNITY. Call the Tobacco Free Humboldt program: 707-268-2132.