Smoke-Free Spaces

Since 2007, smoke-free and tobacco-free policies have protected Philadelphians from second-hand smoke as well as providing healthier, cleaner, safer indoor and outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.

 

Benefits of Smoke-free Policies

  • Protecting kids and adults from secondhand smoke (SHS). There is no safe level of SHS, which contains over 7,000 chemicals—70 of which are known to cause cancer.
  • Protecting the environment. Cigarette butts are the most polluted item in the world and can take over a decade to break down. Chemicals from tobacco products can be ingested by wildlife and leach into water sources, endangering the environment.
  • Motivating smokers to quit. Smoke-free policies encourage smokers to cut back on smoking and make additional attempts to quit. Children and teens are also less likely to start smoking if they are not seeing smoking around them.

Harms of second-hand smoke

  • There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals
  • Outdoor tobacco smoke levels can be as high as secondhand smoke indoors
  • Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable disease and death in the US
  • Most secondhand smoke exposure occurs in homes and vehicles. Children, the elderly, those with serious medical illnesses, and pets are particularly at risk for secondhand smoke.

Where we are Working

  • Bars and Restaurants
  • Parks and Rec Centers
  • Universities Campuses
  • Farmers’ Markets
  • Housing Centers
  • Behavioral Health Service Providers
  • Hospitals

For more information on smoke-free communities and how to make your community more smoke-free, contact:

Muna Tefferi
(215)685-5690
muna.tefferi@phila.gov

Ryan Coffman
(215) 685-5620
ryan.coffman@phila.gov