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Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces
Benefits of Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces
- Protect people from secondhand smoke.
- Smoke-free environments prevent children and young people from smoking.1
- Reduce fire risk.2
- Reduce maintenance and cleanings costs.3
- Reduce litter and pollution.4
- Protect children, pets and wildlife from cigarette butt litter.4
- Most Missourians who smoke want to quit.5
- Tobacco-free environments help people quit.1
What outdoor spaces would benefit from a smoke-free policy?
- Parks
- Trails
- Beaches
- Recreational Facilities
- Amusement Parks
- Stadiums and Sports Arenas
- Events
- Fairs
- Farmer’s Markets
- Street Festivals
- Concerts
What’s the problem with tobacco use outdoors?
- There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.6
- Tobacco smoke can be measured in high quantities more than 20 feet from an outdoor source.7
- Cigarette butt litter:
- Is the most common type of litter.
- Takes decades to decompose.
- Releases toxins into the ground, storm drains, streams, creeks, lakes and rivers.
- Toxins and plastics from cigarette butts harm humans, pets and wildlife.4
What can you do?
- Use the tools on this page to implement a smoke-free policy at parks, beaches or other outdoor spaces.
- Talk to your park board about adopting a smoke-free policy.
- Talk to your local or state conservation department about adopting a smoke-free policy.
- Educate your community leaders about the benefits of smoke-free laws and policies that protect people, animals, and the environment.
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