Why Pass a Tobacco-Free Ordinance for ... - City of Biddeford

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Rotary Park 2011Comments from the Public and Guards Regarding Smoking on the BeachSmoking Comments:6-18-11: Guard well, lots of smoking again Like Old times.7-6-11: Guard Smoking on the beach almost directly behind the LG stand, Get them out ofhere!7-9-11: Citizens Complaints about all the smoking on the beach and grove. Concerned about allthe children here. Don’t understand why it is allowed. We have had manycomplaints about smoking here.7-10-11: Citizens General complaints about smoking again.7-18-11 Citizens many complaints, one lady complained about all the smoking on the beach andthe grove, she was on the beach and amazed that it is allowed with all thechildren in attendance. She then packed up and left with her children in disgust, alittle boy was trying burying all the cigarette butts exposed on the beach.7-20-11: Citizens 2 ladies on the beach asked if they could smoke on the beach, LG replied yes,they were surprised and appreciative, many thank you. However more than beingappreciative they stated how amazing this could be allowed with all the peopleon the beach, especially so many children. They left the beach area to smokebecause of all the kids.7-22-11 Citizens Many complaints about smoking on the beach around all the children”disgusting, what is wrong with the city” was the comment. Another was “tired ofputting my towel down on cigarette butts it’s all over the ******* place”.7-23-11 Citizens a lady was picking up cigarette butts to a shovel and dumping them into a pail.She was so upset and frustrated at the mess. Such disrespect people have tothrow their used cigarettes and the smoking itself around the beach-goers,especially all the little kids. Picked up for quite awhile.7-24-11 Citizens One lady asked 2-3 folks that were smoking near her and her three little childrenif they would mind moving or smoking away from the children. They would notgo up the beach and smoke out of respect for the kid’s health. Words wereexchanged and the mother moved her children.7-29-11 Citizens General smoking complaint.7-30-11 Citizens Toxic air, smoking all over the newly tilled beach, many complaints from othersand choking the LG’s as well. Awful!8-6-11 Citizen a young boy complained how the smoke from the cigarettes on the beach was“gross” to him.8-11-11 Guard a couple of folks who smoke cigarettes removed themselves off the beach to doso. Very considerate, really, thanks.8-17-11 Citizens two ladies that smoke left the beach several times to smoke, they said theycould not possibly smoke on the beach where all the children are. Veryconsiderate.
The American Cancer Society supports the proposed ordinance to prohibit smoking in all publicbeaches and public parks in Biddeford.Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, equally more than 400,000deaths every year. More than 30 percent of all cancer deaths, 80 percent of chronic obstructivepulmonary disease deaths, 21 percent of coronary heart disease deaths and 18 percent of stroke deathsare attributable to smoking and tobacco use. And sadly, we are starting to see the progress we’ve madein reducing youth smoking initiation slip away. Overall, tobacco costs our nation over $96 billion indirect health care costs annually, and an additional $97 billion in lost productivity.States and localities have been at the frontlines of tobacco control by legislating and implementingeffective, proven strategies to reduce youth initiation, encourage current users to quit, and to protect allfrom secondhand smoke. Currently, more than half of the United States population is covered by asmoke-free law. In 2009, the Maine Legislature passed a law to prohibit smoking in, on or within 20feet of a beach, playground, snack bar, group picnic shelter, business facility, enclosed area, publicplace or restroom in a state park or historic site. Still, there is more work to be done as Maine adultsand children continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke in public places. Continuing to pass smokefreelaws remains one of the American Cancer Society’s top priorities.Secondhand smoke is a major health hazard proven to cause lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema.With 4,000 chemicals and more than 60 carcinogens – including arsenic and polonium – secondhandsmoke is responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmoking adults each year. In2006, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhandsmoke. According to Stanford University, harmful exposure to secondhand smoke can occur within 20feet of an active smoker in outdoor settings.The American Cancer Society is dedicated to reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates fromtobacco use. We know what strategies are effective in preventing children from even starting to smoke,helping smokers quit their deadly addiction, and protecting all citizens from the health hazards ofsecondhand smoke and will work with policymakers in reducing the burden tobacco has on our nation,our state, and our local communities.For these reasons, we urge the Biddeford City Council to support the proposed ordinance to prohibitsmoking in all public beaches and public parks in Biddeford.Sincerely,Hilary SchneiderState Director of Government Relations and AdvocacyThe American Cancer Society207.373.3707
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