Smoke Free Campaign Underway

(Goshen) - Did you know that a smoker inhales only 15% of a cigarette’s smoke and that the rest is distributed in the environment as second hand smoke? That second hand or environmental tobacco smoke becomes a danger to the health of other adults, children and even pets that breathe it. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) findings, along with a number of other American and international studies, show a negative effect on children’s health from environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Environmental tobacco smoke can contribute to bronchitis and pneumonia, wheezing and coughing spells, inner ear infections, as well as more frequent and severe asthma attacks. Also, exposure has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

County Executive Edward A. Diana and Orange County’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jean Hudson, are officially kicking off a campaign to encourage more smoke free homes and cars for residents of Orange County, especially children, to start the New Year. Although the county offers free smoking cessation, you don’t have to quit smoking to participate in the Healthy Orange Smoke Free Homes and Cars campaign. The Department of Health will be distributing Healthy Orange decals for windows of homes and cars to demonstrate support for the initiative and to allow those visiting your home or riding in your car know that you wish to have it remain smoke free. As Dr. Hudson stated, “the goal here is to encourage Orange County residents to protect everyone’s health by keeping their homes and cars smoke free.” They will help you quit when you are ready by calling 845-568-5238. For now we would like to have everyone who does smoke to take it outside at a distance that does not affect the breathing of others. An added benefit to not smoking in the home is that it would help eliminate the number one cause of fire deaths. More children die in house fires caused by cigarettes than any other kind of fire.

So, get involved with the Healthy Orange Smoke-Free Homes & Cars Campaign by calling 845-568-5226 to get your free decals and help keep your community smoke free and healthy! Pictured Above: Edward Diana speaks to the crowd of individuals regarding the smoke free campaign.