Young Lungs at Play
Support our children and the environment by making playgrounds and parks Tobacco-Free Zones.
According to the Surgeon General, children are more heavily exposed to secondhand smoke than adults are. In addition, children have a harder time fighting the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Breathing secondhand smoke may cause or worsen serious health conditions including:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- SIDS (sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
The litter created by cigarette butts is not easily decomposed; cigarette butts are made from acetate and can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to decompose. It’s not just about the littler; the toxins in cigarette butts can seep into the soil, polluting local animal populations and waterways.
The playground is a place for fun, fresh air, and exercise. Let’s keep the air smoke-free!
Young Lungs at Play is a program aimed to help communities create tobacco-free parks, playgrounds and recreational areas for children. Many Pennsylvania communities have adopted outdoor tobacco-free policies at parks, zoos, athletic fields, playgrounds, trails and even city sidewalks and streets to help protect both children and the environment.
How can I get my community to join Young Lungs at Play?
Becoming a Young Lungs at Play community is easy and creates a safer environment for our children. Pass an ordinance or resolution in your community to create tobacco free playgrounds and parks. Tobacco Free Allegheny will then provide you with signs, free of charge.
Below are three examples of areas that have created Young Lungs at Play communities:
If you are interested in bringing Young Lungs at Play to your community, please contact Natasha Neira, Program Assistant, 412-322-8321 ext 303.
For more information about Young Lungs at Play across Pennsylvania, visit the Department of Health Young Lungs at Play page.