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Addressing Policy Myths: <br /> The Truth Behind Tobacco-Free Recreation <br /> Myth #1 <br /> Kids that see adults using tobacco products are not likely to start using tobacco. <br /> Reality: Thousands of teenagers start smoking every day, in part because they see their <br /> adult role models use tobacco or allow its use in public places. How do children learn to <br /> walk? To talk? To play sports? From Adults! Adult habits DO affect our children and youth. <br /> Myth #2 <br /> Cigarette butts discarded on the ground do not really hurt anything. <br /> Reality: Cigarette butts are not biodegradable, meaning they do not decay and cannot be <br /> absorbed by the environment. In fact, cigarette butts remain intact for about 10 years before <br /> breaking apart, which amounts to tons of litter. Also, toddlers may ingest the butts that are <br /> discarded on the ground. <br /> Myth #3 <br /> Policies that restrict tobacco use at outdoor recreational facilities will restrict tobacco users <br /> from these facilities and events. <br /> Reality: Tobacco-free policies for outdoor recreational facilities and events do not restrict <br /> people from using these facilities or attending these events; rather, they only ensure that <br /> tobacco users refrain from using tobacco for a short period of time in order to protect the <br /> health of community members, and especially children, who are using these facilities. <br /> Myth #4 <br /> Recreation-based tobacco-free policies are needless regulations and a governmental <br /> interference. <br /> Reality: Tobacco-free policies are public park policies similar to those banning alcohol or <br /> littering in public park and recreational facilities. It is the duty of policy makers to enact <br /> policies that protect the health and well being of the citizens of their community. <br /> Myth #5 <br /> Tobacco-free policies for recreational facilities will be impossible to enforce. <br /> Reality: Eighty percent of all Minnesota adults do not smoke.' Therefore, tobacco-free <br /> policies are largely self-enforcing and can be enforced with a combination of adequate <br /> signage and community education about the policy. Any infraction can be reported and <br /> handled in the same manner as an alcohol or litter complaint that may occur at these <br /> facilities. <br /> 1 Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco,BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota,&Minnesota Department of Health.(2001). <br /> "Quitting Smoking:Nicotine Addiction in Minnesota." <br />