Smoke-Free & Vape-Free Outdoor Events

In this section...
Why a smoke-free and vape-free policy is a good idea for your family-friendly event!

Participants and vendors get to breathe clean air

  • According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is NO safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Tobacco smoke is made up of more than 4,000 chemicals including over 70 known to cause cancer. 
  • E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful components including nicotine, ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. At least 10 chemicals identified in this aerosol cause cancer.  

According to the 2019 Nevada Adult Tobacco Survey,
nearly 86% of Washoe County residents do NOT smoke

Reduces waste and litter at the event site

  • Smoke, ash, matches, and cigarette butts account for 31.5% of litter in our parks and outdoor recreation areas, according to Keep America Beautiful.
  • Cigarette butts remain the number one littered item on roadways, and end up in waterways like the Truckee River.
  • Cigarette butts leach toxic waste including nicotine, arsenic and lead. 
  • Many cigarette filters are made from plastic that will never biodegrade. 
  • Cigarette butts and e-juice cartridges are hazardous and highly toxic to children, pets and wildlife.   

Lowers risk of fire

  • Discarded cigarette butts and vaping devices pose a real fire risk in our dry desert climate.
  • Some e-cigarette batteries have caused small fires and explosions.

Encourages children to make healthy choices

  • The CDC reports that when children see adults using tobacco products, including smoking and vaping, the behavior is normalized making children more likely to use tobacco.

Thank you Reno, Sparks and Washoe County for making public parks smoke-free and vape-free!

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We are here to help!

If you are interested in learning more about smoke free and vape free events, receiving help in adopting a policy, or using signs for your event, please contact the Northern Nevada Public Health Chronic Disease Prevention Program at: 775-328-2466 or GetHealthy@nnph.org 

Last modified on 08/08/2024