Smoke Free Illinois Act (SFIA)
The Smoke-free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in virtually all public places and workplaces, including offices, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores, restaurants, bars, private clubs and gaming facilities.
Illinois has taken this important step to protect its residents, workers and visitors from the harmful and hazardous effects of secondhand smoke. (Effective January 1, 2008). For more information on the SFIA, visit http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov/
Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes)
- E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
- E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
- Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
For more information, visit Facts on Electronic Cigarettes.
What is Secondhand Smoke?
Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers. A person can be exposed to secondhand smoke in cars, homes, workplaces and public places.
Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, 70 are known to cause cancer. According to the 2010 US Surgeon General’s report, ‘there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.’ A person sitting within three to six feet of a smoker outdoors can be exposed to levels of secondhand smoke similar to those indoors.
For residents of multi-unit housing (condominiums and apartment buildings), secondhand smoke is a major concern given that it can migrate from other units and common areas. It can travel through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical lines, plumbing, and ventilation systems.
What is Thirdhand Smoke?
Thirdhand smoke is a relatively new concept and is the residual nicotine on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. Studies show that thirdhand smoke sticks to skin, hair, clothes, furniture, walls, carpets, etcetera, long after smoking has stopped.
Infants, children and nonsmoking adults are particularly at risk of tobacco-related health problems when they inhale, ingest or touch substances containing thirdhand smoke. Thirdhand smoke cannot be eliminated by airing out rooms, opening windows, using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to only certain areas of a home. Thirdhand smoke remains long after smoking has stopped.
Want to Quit Smoking?
If you smoke and are interested in quitting, you are not alone and help is available. There are many resources that can provide support and offer assistance in helping you break that nicotine addiction to quit smoking successfully. Although the process can be difficult, with commitment and motivation you can become tobacco-free for good! Take that first step: learn more about strategies for quitting smoking and available quit smoking resources.
Smoking Cessation Resources
Quitline
The Illinois Tobacco Quitline offers trained respiratory therapists to counsel and guide you through the quitting process at no charge. Call toll free at 1-866-784-8937. For more information, visit QuitYes.org
My Life My Quit
My Life, My Quit™ is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or click to chat with a Coach. They are there for you every step of the way. It’s YOUR LIFE and they’re there to help you live it YOUR WAY. For more information, visit http://itql.mylifemyquit.org