Fulton Council Designates Farmers’ Market A ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’

by Contributor | July 8, 2015 4:06 pm

FULTON, NY – Starting this week, smokers will be asked to refrain from using Tobacco products at the Fulton Farmers’ Market.

The Tobacco Free Network of CNY, with the support of the city of Fulton, the Oswego County Health Department and the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, announced the market will be a tobacco-free event starting July 11.

According to a resolution passed by the Fulton Common Council this week, “from this date forward:” no tobacco products are to be used within the farmers’ market barriers.

The move will make it safer for young children at the market as they are in danger not only of being burned by a cigarette or its ashes but also from secondhand smoke.

“I’m pleased that the city of Fulton is making great strides to protect its residents and the spirit of our farmers’ market,” said Jackie Thorpe, community specialist for the Tobacco Free Network CNY. “There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, even if outdoors. In a survey conducted in 2010, 91 percent of Oswego County residents considered secondhand smoke to be harmful. Furthermore, 75 percent of Oswego County residents favor restricting or completely eliminating cigarette smoking at public outdoor recreation areas or events.”

Greg Mills, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce said, “By adopting a tobacco-free policy, the farmers’ market will become a safer, healthier environment for market vendors and patrons and make the market a truly family-friendly venue.”

Thorpe said there are several reasons to go smoke-free, including:

? Secondhand smoke leads to many serious illnesses including asthma, respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease.

? When children see adults smoking in family-friendly places such as parks and playgrounds, they see the behavior as acceptable and are more likely to mimic the behavior.

? Cigarette butts are hazardous to children, animals and the environment.  Children who ingest discarded cigarette butts are at risk for toxic poisoning, choking or burning themselves.

? 66.7% of Oswego County smokers believe that smoking at public outdoor recreation areas should be restricted or eliminated.

? In Oswego County, 77% of the adult population does not use any tobacco products.

? Nearly 90% of adult smokers began at or before the age of 18.

? It’s common sense to protect children where they play and socialize

The Fulton Farmers’ Market located in the Canalview Park & Shop parking lot on South Second Street and is open Saturdays through Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It provides Fulton residents and visitors with fresh, local, healthy foods.

The Tobacco Free Network will provide signage to designate the boundaries of the smoke-free area at the farmers’ market.

For more information on Tobacco Free Outdoors, call 315-343-2344 ext. 21 or visit tobaccofreenys.org

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/fulton/fulton-council-designates-farmers-market-a-tobacco-free-zone/

---