The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) has seen a rise in the number of smoking complaints in the region. The organization is reminding us that tobacco, vapour, and cannabis products are not allowed around outdoor grounds of recreational facilities, school grounds and restaurants or bar patios.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) protects people from harmful exposure to second-hand smoke in all enclosed public and workplaces and Public Health is responsible for education and enforcement of the SFOA. Between January and May, 719 inspections were conducted, and 270 warnings were issued. Along with World Health No Tobacco Day, the HKPR District Health Unit works to inform the public on the harmful uses of tobacco and to encourage everyone to claim their right to health and healthy living to protect future generations.
“We have been receiving complaints in regard to smoking around soccer and baseball fields and would like to remind everyone, particularly with athletes and spectators, that sports fields must be smoke-free,” said Robert Hewitt, Tobacco Control Officer for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Also, with the many beaches within our communities opening this is also a great reminder that the same is true for playgrounds and splashpads. We simply cannot be smoking where children and families are often gathered.”
In addition, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits the smoking of tobacco, cannabis, and vaping in the following areas:
• The outdoor grounds of community recreational facilities and the areas within 20 metres of the perimeter.
• Public areas within 20 metres of the perimeter of the grounds of a school.
• Public areas within 9 metres of a restaurant or bar patio.
“We know that nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain, which keeps developing until around the age of 25,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and Chief Executive Officer for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Nicotine is highly addictive whether it’s contained within a cigarette, e-cigarette, or other tobacco products. In young people, just 5 mg of nicotine a day is enough to establish addiction. Please adhere to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and do not smoke any products around our youth and keep our public spaces safe for all.”