Peterborough Public Health Celebrates Success of Commercial Tobacco Control on World No Tobacco Day

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is celebrating the achievements made in commercial tobacco control with a reminder of smoke free spaces on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) May 31.

stock photo.

PPH is reminding athletes and spectators that sports fields are 100 per cent vape, cannabis and smoke-free. The same is true for beaches, playgrounds and splash pads – places where children and families often gather.

In the first three months of 2023 youth vaping, and youth access to vaping and tobacco products was the biggest issue PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers responded to. Approximately 45 youth access inspections were conducted from January to March of 2023, resulting in 3 charges for sales of vape or tobacco products to youth. An additional 7 charges and 9 warnings have been issued related to youth smoking or vaping at prohibited locations.

“Given that there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke, and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them, we are encouraging people to think twice about where they smoke or vape,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) is designed to protect everyone from these products, and failure to comply with the law can result in a $305 fine.”

When the SFOA first came into force in 2006, cigarettes were the only products captured in the Act. Since then, we have seen the legalization of cannabis, and proliferation of vapour products. For those reasons, the SFOA has been updated to include these products that are smoked, lit or vaped.

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains. Nicotine affects learning, memory and concentration and some e-liquids used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as in one pack of cigarettes. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes,” said medical officer of health Dr. Piggott. “Peterborough City and County is home to magnificent parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields – visited by thousands of people every year. Ensuring these places are smoke and vape-free is a priority for PPH.”

For more information and resources, visit the website.

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Peterborough Public Health Reminds Residents Of Prohibited Public Smoking and Vaping in City Outdoor Public Spaces

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reminded residents and visitors that smoking and vaping are prohibited in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields announced on Monday.

Photo by Luke Best.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy these beautiful spaces free from exposure to secondhand smoke and vape products,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Active enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the current bylaw will protect people from being exposed and support anyone who is trying to quit using cannabis and tobacco.”

Smoking or vaping in Peterborough at a park, playground, sports field or beach could result in a fine of up to $305. This includes anyone attending a Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park.

“Our partnership with the health unit has been ongoing for several years and is quite successful,” said Tracey Randall, General Manager, Peterborough Musicfest. “We are excited to be back this season offering our concert series throughout July and August once again. As in years past, we want to make sure that the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, which includes ensuring a smoke and vape-free experience at the park.”

Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers are enforcing the rules in local parks this summer according to PPH.

PPH says keeping parks smoke and vape-free keep children safe from the harmful effects of tobacco and help denormalize tobacco use. They also help protect the environment from toxic cigarette butts.

Anyone who is exposed to secondhand smoke is encouraged to report the exposure to Peterborough Public Health by calling 705-743-1000 or using the online report form available at PPH’s website and searching for “secondhand smoke.”

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Peterborough Has Higher Than Average Smoking Rates Among Pregnant Women

And a new program has been developed that will help them quit:

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