Tobacco-free parks policy passes in Grygla

This was a partnership between the city of Grygla and the Quin Tobacco-Free Communities (TFC) Grant which is funded by the Minnesota Department of Health. Quin TFC staff met with the Grygla City Council in September to educate them about tobacco-free outdoor spaces policies and how these policies can be beneficial to protect youth from the dangers of second-hand smoke. Even outdoors, research shows that second-hand smoke can be just as harmful as indoors, especially for children with other health conditions such as asthma or allergies Youth are still being exposed to second-hand smoke despite strong MN indoor-air tobacco laws. According to the 2014 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 41.7 percent of middle school non-smokers and 47.8 percent of high school non-smokers still report exposure to secondhand smoke. Data from the 2014 Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS) also demonstrates support for tobacco-free outdoor places policies. According to the survey, nearly 60% of MN adults say that smoking should not be allowed in outdoor public recreational areas, such as parks, and nearly 93% of MN adults believe secondhand smoke is harmful. This new policy will also help protect against children ingesting discarded cigarette butts, which is toxic and even deadly to young children.

Quin TFC staff assisted the city council with drafting the new policy and once the policy was passed, signage was made available for free through the Association for Non-Smokers-Minnesota (ANSR). Once the signs are posted, park goers can feel confident reminding others that the area is tobacco-free if they see someone using tobacco. According to the new policy, a person may be asked to leave if they are found violating the policy. 

These areas in Grygla now provide a safe and healthy place for children (and adults) to play. Not only will kids be free from secondhand smoke exposure, this policy will save money in the long-term as less city resources will be needed to keep these areas clean from tobacco litter. For more information or to see a copy of the new policy, please call the city office at 218-294-6292.