Tobacco Smoke-Free Policy


Council's Smoke Free Policy

On 18 November 2003 Council adopted a policy of smoke free playgrounds, playing fields and sporting grounds by imposing a ban on smoking within 10 metres of a playground, playing field and sporting ground while residents are participating in sport and recreation.

Smoke free playgrounds

The aim of this ban is to protect residents from the effects of passive smoking and second-hand smoke by way of educating the community rather than active enforcement.

Research indicates that passive smoking is bad for your health and especially the health of young children.

Environmental tobacco smoke (also known as second-hand smoke, passive smoking) is made up of smoke released from burning tobacco and smoke exhaled by smokers. With over 40 known carcinogens and other chemical irritants, involuntary inhalation by children can lead to adverse health effects.

Passive smoking can harm children

Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental tobacco smoke because of their smaller airways and immature immune systems. Adverse effects can include development of glue ear or middle ear infections, nose, throat and chest infections, croup and wheezing, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and possible risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The Hills Shire Council has taken steps to ensure that children are not exposed to these harmful chemicals by declaring that smoking is prohibited on all sporting fields and within 10 metres of a sporting field.

Protecting your family's health

There are effective ways to protect children from other peoples cigarette smoke:

  • Make your car and home a smoke free zone
  • Give practical suggestions on how to achieve a smoke-free home and car
  • Do not allow smoking in enclosed spaces
  • Designate smoking areas outside
  • Remove ashtrays and lighters from inside the home and car
  • Place non-smoking stickers in the home and car
  • Ask visitors to smoke outside.

 

Harmful to the environment

Cigarette butts can get into our local creeks and other waterways. With butts taking a minimum of five years to decompose the pollutants in the butt are able to leak into the waterways causing unsightly pollution and having a huge effect on marine life and our local ecosystems.

Cigarette butts can also be a contributing factor in major bushfires. When people incorrectly dispose of their butts major fires can have devastating effects including destroying natural fauna and flora and homes.

Council seeks to educate the community on the health hazards of smoking and incorrect disposal of butts through promotion and programs such as the Bin ya Butt program. If you would like more information on Councils programs contact Council on 9843 0555.

For further information

NSW Health
1800 251 528

The Cancer Council NSW
13 1120

Asthma NSW
1800 645 130

The National Heart Foundation
1300 362 787

SIDS NSW
1300 308 307

Resources can be obtained FREE of charge by visiting: http://www.smokefreezone.org/

For people who are ready to quit smoking contact the Quitline: 131 848 or speak with your doctor or pharmacist.