New signage to highlight Benton County's expanded smoke-free facilities policy

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Benton County recently updated their Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds Policy to capture and include any product that can be smoked or vaped, including cannabis, the County reports.

The goal of the updated policy is to continue promoting the health and safety of employees and the public by reducing the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and nicotine addiction, the County says.

"Smoking and the use of other tobacco products remain the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States," the County said in its media release. "The list of diseases linked to tobacco use is expanding, well beyond the general health risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and chronic lung disease. Even passive exposure to secondhand smoke is a major health risk."

Tobacco- and smoke-free spaces work to prevent initiation and promote tobacco cessation, the County says, and "they also work to change social norms around smoking, vaping, and tobacco use."

“Studies show that communities with more tobacco- and smoke-free spaces experience a positive impact, both in the success of individuals trying to quit and reducing youth nicotine addiction.” said Andy Chuinard, Tobacco Prevention and Education Program Coordinator for Benton County Health Department.

In addition to the direct health risks of tobacco use, smoking is estimated to be the number one cause of fire related death and injury in the United States and is a major cause of wild-land fire ignition," the County says. "The environmental impact of smoking is significant, as toxic cigarette filters are the most frequently littered item in the United States and have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife."

The original policy, “Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds,” was first adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners on January 1, 2013.

"Since then, the landscape of tobacco and nicotine products has changed significantly along with legalization of cannabis," the County states. "The updated policy, 'Smoke-, Vape-, and Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds,' responds to these changes by including emerging products such as synthetic nicotine, pouches, electronic smoking devices (or vapes), and cannabis in the referenced language."

The updated policy continues to apply to all properties owned and occupied by Benton County, including parks, natural areas, fairgrounds, and the courthouse.

"The policy aims to communicate, educate, and promote cessation resources for nicotine addiction."

Updated public-facing signage including metal signs, posters, and decals will be installed at all County facilities this spring.

People who want to quit tobacco can contact their health care provider to see what options are available. Oregon Tobacco Quit Line is a telephone and web-based service that offers free quitting information, one-on-one telephone counseling, and referrals at https://quitnow.net/oregon or call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).