Delaware's state park's expand non-smoking areas

Tobacco-free areas in Delaware's state parks were expanded July 1. Areas newly affected will include designated swim beaches and trails, boardwalks and bath houses, fishing piers, general picnic areas, youth camps and other areas. "By making more areas of the state smoke-free, we are creating a healthier environment and a higher quality of life," said Gov. Jack Markell. "While people are enjoying the natural beauty of our state parks, we want them engaging in activities that contribute to their well-being.

Tobacco-free parks are part of a larger plan for more tobacco-free state properties as we work to improve the health of state employees and all Delawareans." According to Deborah Brown, CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, secondhand smoke causes an estimated 50,000 deaths each year -- mostly from lung cancer and coronary heart disease -- but any exposure is harmful to a person's health. "The research is irrefutable when it comes to the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke, especially for children," said Collin O'Mara, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

"According to the U.S. surgeon general, we have clear evidence that only completely smoke-free environments can eliminate secondhand smoke exposure and its related health risks." Tobacco-free areas within Delaware's state parks were first instituted in February 2008. These initial tobacco-free areas included bandshells, amphitheaters, athletic stadiums and fields, swimming pools and playgrounds. "Along with mitigating health concerns, our goal is also to reduce tobacco litter," said Charles Salkin, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation.

"There are numerous environmental and sanitation issues related to tobacco use, including the prevalence of cigarette butts on our beaches and other public parks areas, that can be reduced significantly with this new policy." In addition to the areas listed above, new areas soon to be off-limits for tobacco products are concession areas, restrooms and the Brandywine Zoo and Fort Delaware State Park, including Pea Patch Island. Other areas include Cape Henlopen State Park's residential youth camp facilities and all designated primitive youth group camping areas in state parks, including special events/temporary sites. In support of the policy change, Delaware state parks will educate staffmembers on managing compliance and avoiding confrontations and arrests through one-on-one education. Posters will be displayed in prominent locations near park entrances and signage will be posted in restricted areas.