CREATING SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENTS

Presented by: Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine and Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine

December 15, 2011

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The presentation will be available online at www.slideshare.net/breatheeasy by 12/21/11.

Who we are: PTM

The Partnership For A Tobacco-Free Maine is committed to its mission to reducing death and disability due to tobacco use among Maine citizens and creating an environment that is supportive of a tobacco-free life.

Who we are: BEC

The Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine works to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke through the promotion of strong voluntary policies that lead to reduced tobacco use and tobacco-free living throughout Maine. BEC is an umbrella coalition of the:

Smoke-Free Housing Coalition of MaineMaine Tobacco-Free College NetworkMaine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network

Presentation Goals/Outline

Provide an overview of strategies, tips and resources for addressing PTM objectives 4, 6, 10 and worksite policies.

Outline: Overview: Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke Smoke-Free Housing/Smoke-Free Homes Pledge Smoke-Free Lodging Tobacco-Free Colleges Tobacco-Free Hospitals Tobacco-Free Worksites Questions

Talking Points on Smoke-Free Environments

It’s about the smoke, not the smoker. Secondhand smoke travels and is harmful to

others – in both indoor and outdoor settings. Prohibiting smoking saves will save you

money Communicating the policy is the key to

successful implementation. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of

preventable disease and death – smoking policies change the social norm around use.

Secondhand Smoke is Deadly Defined as tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or

is given off by the burning end of a cigarette that is inhaled involuntarily or passively by someone who is not smoking.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke contains thousands of chemicals, at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer.

Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25-30%.

Secondhand Smoke is Deadly Secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and

premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an

increased risk health issues, including: sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and more severe asthma.

Only 100% smoke-free indoor space policies fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from nonsmokers within a building by cleaning the air and ventilation practices does not eliminate the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

ARC-NE, 2006Pediatrics, 2011

Secondhand Smoke is Dangerous for Youth

Kids exposed to secondhand smoke in the home are: 44% more likely to suffer from asthma Miss more days of school per year than kids in SFH

Adolescent exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to higher risk of ADHD and learning disabilities.

Secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of middle ear infections and hearing loss in children.

ARC-NE, 2006, Pediatrics, 2011

Thirdhand Smoke is Dangerous What is it?

Tobacco smoke contamination (or nicotine residue) that remains after the cigarette has been extinguished. The toxins linger in carpets, sofas, clothes, hair, skin and on other surfaces long after a cigarette is put out.

Thirdhand smoke builds up over time and resists normal cleaning. Thirdhand smoke can’t be eliminated by airing out

rooms, opening windows or using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to only certain areas of a home.

Thirdhand Smoke is Dangerous Infants, children and non-smoking adults are at-risk of

tobacco related health problems when they inhale, ingest or touch surfaces/materials containing thirdhand smoke.

Dangers of thirdhand smoke include a higher risk heart disease, stroke and other smoking related diseases.

Thirdhand smoke is a particular health hazard for infants and children. Infants exposed are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death

Syndrome (SIDS). Infants and children have an increased risk of asthma and can

be a trigger for asthma sufferers.

SHS/THS Resources

Coming Soon from BEC: secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke fact sheets

Various Resources available at www.ptmstore.org:

Smoke-Free Housing

PTM Work Plan Objective 4

Smoke-Free Housing Is Not• About targeting people who smoke or making people

quit• About evicting people who smoke

Smoke-Free Housing Is• Saving property owners/managers money• About the smoke, not the smoker• Providing healthy indoor air for all residents of multi-

unit housing• Protecting the integrity of multi-unit buildings

Myths vs. Realities about Smoke-Free Housing

• It’s about the smoke, not the smoker!

• You are not asking people to quit, only to take the behavior somewhere else, for the health of all residents and the safety of the property.

• There is no ‘right’ to smoke, but there is a right to breathe clean air.

• Fair housing laws do not protect smoking behavior.

In fact, NONSMOKERS may be eligible for protection from SHS under Fair Housing laws.

Key Messages

Who is going smoke-free in Maine

Public and Tribal Housing Authorities

Private developments (subsidized and market-rate)

“Mom and Pop” landlords

Condominium associations

Behavioral health facilities

Group homes and transitional housing developments

Nursing and assisted living facilities

Breathe Easy, You’re Living in Maine:

100% of Maine’s Public Housing Authorities (20 of 20)

2/5 Tribal Housing Authorities

48% of all Maine Rental Housing (market rate and subsidized multi-unit housing)

• Fire Danger• Property Damage• Turnover savings• Insurance savings• Happier & healthier tenants• Liability• Tenants prefer smoke-free housing

Why Are Property Owners Adopting 100% Smoke-Free Policies?

7 out of 10 Maine MUH tenants would prefer to live in smoke-free housing.

43% would pay more to live in a smoke-free environment.

Tenants want smoke-free housing

Town/County

% YES % NO

Housing Authorities

in Androscog

gin

76% 24%

Sanford Housing Authority

71% 29%

Brunswick Housing Authority

76% 24%

Total 74% 26%

Smoke-free policies are healthy choices for your building and tenants: There is no risk-free level of exposure to

secondhand smoke.

Up to 65% of air is exchanged between units – tobacco smoke toxins move with this air and can be harmful to the health of neighbors.

Smoking is the leading cause of residential fire

death in Maine and the US.

What Property Owners/Managers Need to Know

An Act To Improve Awareness of Smoking Policies in Maine Rental Housing.

Signed into Law by Gov. LePage on June 2nd and took effect on September 28th 2011.

All property owners must notify tenants (or potential tenants) in writing, of whether smoking is allowed on the premises and if so, where.

Full law language: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/chapters/PUBLIC199.asp

Maine’s Landlord Disclosure Law

Disclosure Law FAQ Template disclosure form Template smoke-free lease addendums and

policy language with disclosure statements Available to answer additional questions

about the disclosure law

Available at www.smokefreeforme.org or by contacting the Coalition

Disclosure Law Resources

Free signage, window clings and other materials Sample smoke-free leaseaddendums and policy language Fact sheets Implementation and enforcement tips Free technical assistance for adoption and

implementation

Available at www.smokefreeforme.org or by contacting the Coalition

Smoke-Free Housing Resources

Smoke-Free Homes Pledge Program Encourage families in your community

to make their homes smoke-free with the pledge program.

Smoke-Free Housing Resources

Tobacco-Free Colleges

PTM Work Plan Objective 6

Why are schools going tobacco-free?

• Tobacco-free policies create a healthier and safer environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors.

• Going tobacco-free is a way show your commitment to the environment.

• Tobacco-free campus changes the social norm around tobacco.

• Policies remove exposure to tobacco smoke on campus.

Tobacco Use on Campus

• Tobacco-free campus policies don’t require anyone to quit but prohibits tobacco use on campus grounds.

The majority of the campus community won’t have to alter habits if the campus goes tobacco-free:

• About 75% of students and 80% of faculty and staff are non-smokers.

Most smokers began smoking before the age of 24; 28% of college smokers began to smoke regularly at or after 19 – when they were already in college.

The majority of the campus community believe people should be protected from secondhand smoke:

• 88% of young adults and 90% of all adults believe this.

Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine, American Cancer Society

Steps for Tobacco-Free Policy Adoption

1. Establish a policy committee/workgroup.

2. Determine policy parameters – draft plan (timeframe, policy language, enforcement strategies, etc).

3. Build support of key stakeholders (administration, student leaders, faculty and staff leaders).

4. Communicate policy to campus community prior to when it takes effect and post signage.

5. Prepare and distribute educational materials on policy, tobacco use, quitting and secondhand smoke to faculty, staff and students.

6. Implement and enforce tobacco-free campus policy.

Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awards Program

• MTFCN has developed a program to recognize institutions of higher learning taking steps to create tobacco-free environments and promote tobacco-free lifestyles.

• All Maine schools that meet at least five of the ten policy standards will be recognized at the inaugural awards celebration – all schools are encouraged to apply.• Annually applications will be released in September

and the recognition celebration will be in November.

• 2011 Awards: 8 schools and three individual gold stars recognized!

Resources from the MTFCN

Tobacco-Free Hospitals

PTM Work Plan Objective 6

What is a tobacco-free policy?

A 100% tobacco-free policy is one that prohibits smoking and the use of any tobacco products on the hospital campus, including in buildings, parking areas, garages, grounds, and vehicles parked on hospital property.

Tobacco-Free Hospitals in Maine

Mercy Hospital, Portland The Aroostook Medical Center,

Presque Isle Blue Hill Memorial Hospital,

Blue Hill C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital,

Greenvill Down East Community Hospital,

Machais Eastern Maine Medical Center,

Bangor Inland Hospital, Madison Sebasticook Vally Hospital,

Pittsfield Parkview Adventist Medical

Center, Brunswick Penobscot Bay Medical Center,

Rockport

Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington

Goodall Hospital, Sanford Miles Memorial Hospital,

Damariscotta Spring Harbor Hospital,

Portland St. Andrews Hospital,

Boothbay Harbor Waldo County General

Hospital, Belfast Northern Maine Medical

Center, Fort Kent Mount Desert Island Hospital,

Bar Harbor Cary Medical Center, Caribou

19 of Maine’s 39 Hospitals are 100% Tobacco-Free.

Why go tobacco-free?

Tobacco-free campus policies are a great example of a hospital’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for patients, employees, visitors and the community as a whole.

Tobacco-free policies are a best practice and proven concept – at least 19 hospitals in Maine have already adopted 100% tobacco-free policies.

Policy Adoption Steps

Establish a policy committee/workgroup Draft a tobacco-free policy Gain approval and support from hospital

stakeholders Communicate policy before it goes into effect Prepare and distribute educational materials

for employees, patients, visitors on the policy and quit resources

Implement and enforce policy

Gold Star Standards Awards

Hospitals that meet at least 6 Standards are encouraged to apply and be recognized! Applications will be made available on www.MaineTobaccoFreeHospitalNetwork.org and will be sent to all hospitals.

Annually applications released in January – awards program held at Maine Hospital Association in March.

2011 Awards: 20 Hospitals and 8 Individual Gold Stars Recognized!

Resources from the MTFHN

Smoke-Free Lodging

PTM Objective 10: Creating Smoke-Free hotels, motels and other lodging establishments

Smoke free policies save money for owners and managers.

Allowing smoking in guest rooms can cause extensive damage.Furniture, carpets, countertops and surfaces are impacted and will need replacement and/or painting much faster than non-smoking rooms.

Risk of fire is significantly increased and smoking is the leading cause of fire related death. Average dollar loss per hotel/motel fire (2005-07): $16,190.

Cleaning costs are higher in rooms where smoking has

been allowed. Fabrics, including carpets, drapes; bedspreads and upholstery retain odors and require deep cleaning or replacement.

Majority of guests prefer a 100% smoke-free hotel environment.

Smoke travels readily between rooms, into hallways and throughout the building’s through the ventilation systems.According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) “…the only means of effectively eliminating health risks associated with indoor exposure is to ban smoking activity.”

Smoking can cause extensive damage to guest rooms - more costly to maintain guest rooms where smoking is allowed then not.

Majority of guests prefer a 100% smoke-free hotel environment.

Guests prefer smoke-free lodging but supply doesn’t yet meet demand – hotels can stand out by going smoke-free!

Smoke free travel is quickly becoming the norm, not the exception. Following the example and experience of small

independent motels and hotels, Westin Hotels was the first major chain to create a smoke free hotel brand in 2006, Marriott soon followed in all of its brands from the most expensive to the most affordable; yet not all hotel chains have changed to a smoke free status.

Learning more about SF lodging

Lodging survey is under development using a Survey Monkey format.

Kudos and thanks go to Kelly Corson for drafting the following questions: How many lodging units are within your establishment? Do any of these units share a common wall? Do you allow smoking in any of your units/ Do you have a tobacco policy or disclosure form that is

acknowledged by all guests at the time of check-in? Do you impose a penalty charge if a guest smokes in a non-

smoking unit? If tobacco use or smoking is presently allowed on your property,

have you considered going smoke-free or tobacco-free? Additional questions can be modified to alert lodging providers

to the fact that their local HMP can and will provide technical assistance, resources and additional tools to help them in drafting a policy.

Tobacco-Free Workplaces

It’s the Law

Every employer must establish a written policy that, at a minimum, complies with current Maine law.

The employer is responsible for: writing the policy; posting the policy; providing a copy for any employee who requests it; supervising the effective implementation of the policy.

This work fits under the Priority Framework; Strategy PF 1.3. The assessment in the online tool has been updated and is aligned with the law.

PTM recommends that you suggest that employers consider going beyond the law, and create tobacco free policies, due to the rise in the use of smokeless tobacco nationally and in Maine.

For more information, please call me at your convenience at 207-287-4626.

Worksite Resources

The best resource is the Good Work! Kit (Item # 836 for the full kit) Find it at www.ptmstore.org by clicking on the Workplace Materials tab

along with a shorter brochure that covers the basics (Item #840)

A Summary of Maine Laws (Item #846) is helpful to have on hand. Find it on the PTM store under the tab marked Newsletters, facts & laws

Signs, signs, everywhere signs…. Free and readily available, please do offer the range of signs to employers; Familiarize yourself with the products available by scanning the signs

under the Workplace, Secondhand Smoke, and Facts & Laws sections. (Items range from clings, large and small signs, decals, and more)

Questions?

Contact PTM:Carol.R.Coles@maine.gov(207)287-4626www.tobaccofreemaine.orgOrder PTM materials: www.ptmstore.org

Contact BEC:breathe.easy.maine@gmail.com(207)874-8774www.smokefreeforme.orgwww.mainetobaccofreecollegenetwork.orgwww.mainetobaccofreehospitalnetwork.orgView past BEC presentations: www.slideshare.net/breatheeasy