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The Adirondack Tobacco Free Network (ATFN) Program Each Year, secondhand smoke is responsible for 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) in children younger than 18 months of age, resulting in 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations. The Adirondack Tobacco Free Network is a grassroots coalition committed to reducing adolescent and adult use of tobacco through cooperative programs in prevention, cessation, advocacy, policy initiatives and community education. The Adirondack Tobacco Free Network (ATFN) consists of local organizations and individuals from Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. Our purpose is to promote a tobacco-free environment. |
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ATFN Initiatives
Tobacco Free Outdoors The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Class A Carcinogen, placing it in the same category as radon, benzene, and asbestos. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, over 40 of which are known to cause cancer in humans and many of which are strong irritants. The Surgeon General has declared that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke even small amounts of secondhand smoke can trigger allergies, asthma attacks and other breathing problems. Tobacco litter is poisonous and puts children, pets and wildlife at risk. Our playgrounds, parks, and beaches should not be used as ash trays. Nearly all cigarette butts are made up of plastic like cellulose acetate fibers and can take decades to decompose. Within an hour of contact with water, cigarette butts can begin leaching chemicals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic into the marine environment. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals, leading to Ingestion of hazardous chemicals and digestive blockages. Cigarette butts not properly extinguished can cause fires. Outdoor Recreational areas should be places that people can breathe fresh air and exercise smoke free. Tobacco free policies reduce secondhand smoke exposure and eliminate cigarette butts so families can enjoy outdoor activities in a healthy environment. Support for tobacco free policies is growing. Currently, over 200 municipalities in New York State have passed regulations restricting tobacco use in outdoor recreational areas. It is important for businesses to think about adopting a policy for tobacco free grounds as well. Tobacco Free worksite policies support a healthier workplace by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, encouraging cessation, and by changing social norms regarding tobacco use.
These are the
municipalities and businesses in the tri-county areas that have passed some
type of policy regarding tobacco use.
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Point of Sale
Point of Sale (POS) is referred to tobacco advertising and promotion in
retail stores where tobacco products are sold. The tobacco industry spends
billions of dollars to market its deadly products in our stores including:
paying retailers to prominently display tobacco products, in-store
advertising, and price discounts. Exposure to tobacco marketing in stores is
a primary cause of youth smoking.
Click here
to see an example of a store's "powerwall" of brightly
colored ads. One way to reduce youth exposure to in store marketing is through a ban on the display of tobacco products. Stores will be allowed to sell tobacco products but the products will be placed in drawers and cabinets behind registers, out of the site of children. Many countries have adopted display bans including Canada. Click here to see an example of tobacco products placed in draws where youth can't see them. To sign a postcard showing your support for protecting kids from tobacco marketing in stores click here and send it to ATFN, 133 Margaret St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Click here for more facts and figures regarding tobacco marketing
targeting our youth Counter Marketing: Tobacco companies aggressively market their product to specific populations. ATFN utilizes media and other marketing strategies to project a positive, tobacco-free message to the community. Cessation: ATFN promotes the NYS
Quit Line along with other cessation services for those who strive to break
free of tobacco addiction. The coalition is part of the Tobacco
Control Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health through
the New York State portion of the Master Settlement Agreement. |
Note:
These are external web links.
