CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health Applauds Tobacco-Free Policies in Onondaga County

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The Central New York Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health commends the Onondaga County Health Department’s ongoing efforts to protect public health with its tobacco-free policies. As stated in a recent DOH news release, keeping Onondaga County parks and public spaces tobacco free is a crucial step in safeguarding community health and ensuring clean, safe environments for all residents.

 

“Central New York families deserve to enjoy outdoor spaces without the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and tobacco use,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “Secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for approximately 41,000 deaths among non-smoking adults each year in the U.S., and it can cause severe health issues, including asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and heart disease. Keeping our parks and public areas tobacco-free is a necessary step to protect the health of our community members, especially children and those with preexisting health conditions.”

 

Exposure to secondhand smoke remains a serious health risk. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and nearly 70 known to cause cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General confirms that there is no safe level of exposure. Studies show that outdoor secondhand smoke exposure in crowded areas can reach levels similar to indoor smoking environments, further emphasizing the importance of smoke-free public spaces.

 

The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems remains committed to supporting policies that reduce tobacco use and exposure, working alongside local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure effective tobacco cessation and prevention strategies.

 

For those looking to quit smoking or vaping, free resources and support are available through the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or www.nysmokefree.com.