A healthier you in the New Year is possible! Call the California Smokers’ Helpline at: 1-800-NO-BUTTS now and ask about FREE services for quitting.
Want a little extra support via text messages?
Visit: www.nobutts.org to sign up to receive texts each day during the first important weeks of quitting.
For information on reduce second-hand smoke in our community contact the Mariposa County Health Department Tobacco Education Program.
New Smoking & Vaping Rules for Mariposa County include Smoke-Free Parks
The Mariposa Board of Supervisors recently adopted an ordinance for Smoking and Tobacco under Chapter 25, No. 1112. This updated ordinance replaces outdated regulations dating from 1950 and 1992. The ordinance took effect November 26, 2015 and results in county laws regulating smoking and tobacco use that are current, consistent with state law, and relevant for today.
Under the new ordinance, Mariposa County joins the approximately 62 local jurisdictions in California that prohibit Electronic Smoking Devices (ESD) in specific locations and the nearly 350 cities and counties with laws restricting smoking in parks or recreational areas.
The law now treats ESDs, also known as e-cigarettes or vaporizers, just like conventional smoking and tobacco products. The devices, which are used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine or other substances, are prohibited in all workplaces subject to the California labor law restricting smoking.
To reduce exposure to harmful effects of secondhand smoke in the community, especially our children, the new ordinance prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all Mariposa County parks, community parks/sports fields, the Mariposa Farmers Market, the Mariposa Creek Parkway, and YARTS bus stops.
Current research has found that ESDs contain aerosols with harmful chemicals and are a threat to children who may ingest the e-cigarette juice. The State of California’s Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee (TEROC) opposes the use of e-cigarettes in all areas where other tobacco products are banned. Further, the Centers for Disease Control stated: “it is critical that comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies for youth focus on all tobacco products, not just cigarettes.”
The changes are based on the known health impacts of smoking, and secondhand smoke on non-smokers, as well as the unknown health risks due to e-cigarettes and vaporizing. By designating our beautiful outdoor recreation areas as smoke-free, a decrease in tobacco litter and the risk of wildfire caused by a smoldering cigarette is possible. The new ordinance demonstrates the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to promote a healthy environment in Mariposa County.
For more information, please contact the Mariposa County Health Department Tobacco Education Program at: (209) 966-3689 or visit the program website at: mariposacounty.org.