It’s The Law: Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces

Huron County, ON – You can expect less second-hand smoke at local playgrounds, special events and publicly owned sports fields this summer thanks to the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

Changes to the Act came into effect on January 1, 2015. Among other Act changes, it is now illegal:

to smoke on or within 20 metres of children’s playgrounds

to smoke on or within 20 metres of publicly owned sport fields and surfaces. This includes areas for basketball, baseball, soccer or beach volleyball, ice rinks, tennis courts, splash pads and swimming pools.

to smoke in any area where food or drinks are served or sold or offered for consumption.

“Non-smoking signs have been provided to the municipalities,” says Patrick Landry, Public Health Inspector. “These signs should be posted at your local public sports field or playground letting you know that these are now non-smoking spaces.”

If you have questions about the signs or about these changes to the Act, contact the Health Unit.

Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, about 50 of which are known to cause cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

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