Paso Robles Highlighted as "City on the Rise" in State Tobacco Control Report
Author: Public Health Department
Date: 2/7/2018 10:34 AM
The American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report highlights Paso Robles as a local "City on the Rise" in 2018.
The State of Tobacco Control 2018—California Local Grades report issues grades for all 482 cities and 58 counties in California on policies related to smokefree outdoor air, smokefree housing, and reducing sales of tobacco products to minors.
Paso Robles’ grade for Smokefree Outdoor Air went from an F in 2017 to a B in 2018. Its grade for Smokefree Housing went from an F to a C over this same time period. This was due in part to the February 2017 decision by the Paso Robles City Council to adopt an ordinance banning tobacco and marijuana smoking in public places around the city. Under the new law, tobacco use—including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and pipes—and marijuana smoking aren’t allowed in city buildings and enclosed public places; at outdoor events and city parks, trails and sports facilities; or in common areas of multi-unit residential buildings.
"Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke has clear and powerful health benefits, especially for nonsmokers, as well as young children and other vulnerable members of our community," said Inger Appanaitis, program manager for tobacco control for the County of San Luis Obispo. "We're excited to see this recognition and, more importantly, excited about what it means for the health of everyone in the community."
In 2006, the California Air Resource Board officially declared secondhand smoke a toxic air contaminant and the Surgeon General issued a landmark report concluding that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. This recognition of the toxic nature of secondhand smoke has bolstered efforts by local elected officials across the state to take action to protect their residents from exposure to secondhand smoke.
The County of San Luis Obispo Tobacco Control program offers support and resources—including free Quit Smoking classes, group support, and nicotine replacement—for residents year-round. To learn more about resources available, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/quit-tobacco.
The full report can be accessed online at www.lung.org.
