PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) Tobacco Control Program (TPC) has launched new pages on www.livesmokefree.ri.gov to help readers understand the dangers of second-hand smoke in public places like outdoor dining establishments and beaches.
"Second-hand smoke, even outside, is toxic," said Michael Fine, M.D., director of HEALTH. "Smoking in outdoor public places, such as restaurant patios, parks, and beaches, has harmful health impacts on others, even in fresh-air environments. There is simply no safe place to smoke."
The new Web pages share results from recent public opinion surveys conducted by HEATH and other community organizations, as well as data on second-hand smoke particulates in outdoor areas, links to cessation services, and other helpful resources.
The www.livesmokefree.ri.gov site originally launched back in 2012, with a focus on adopting smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing. Information, which is also available in Spanish, is targeted to housing authorities, landlords, and tenants.
Earlier in the spring, HEALTH launched a Facebook Page, facebook.com/livesmokefreeri, which provides facts about second-hand smoke and the benefits of going smoke free, and serves as a sounding board for Rhode Islanders to discuss the issue.
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