LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Tobacco Education Program, a state-funded program of the County of Lake Health Services Department and Lake Family Resource Center (Lake FRC), sponsored a “undo Tobacco Litter” event on June 20, with members of the Lake County Tobacco Education Youth Coalition.
As in previous years, tobacco product litter was the most common item found.
“It’s so gross,” said Hannah Garcia of Lakeport. “My sister and I put our blanket on the grass next to the water and there were cigarette butts everywhere we looked.”
Her sister, Kyley, added, “We wanted to clean up the park so people wouldn’t have to picnic and swim with all that litter. We mostly found cigarette butts and wrappers. In one hour, we completely filled our bags with cigarette butts.”
“I wish people didn’t smoke in parks,” added Hannah.
Dave Roush, youth coordinator for the Lake County Tobacco Education Coalition says, “Tobacco litter poses a serious health hazard to children and animals. The toxic residue in butts not only litters the environment, but seeps into underground water systems and poisons the soil. There are over 4,000 chemicals in each cigarette, with over 60 known carcinogenic. Examples of chemicals found in cigarette litter are: formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia, nicotine (a natural occurring insecticide in tobacco leaves), acetone, carbon monoxide, and benzene. It is a complex mixture which cannot be changed by nature. There is no safe level of exposure of these dangerous chemicals.”
The “undo tobacco litter” is just one of several activities held by the youth coalition each year to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco use.
Another activity is the annual youth purchase survey, where youth coalition members, under the supervision of adult coalition members, attempt to purchase tobacco products at local retailers. This activity helps to educate retailers and their employees on the need to keep tobacco products out of the hands of children.
Other activities include speaking before the Board of Supervisors and city councils about the impacts of tobacco use on the residents, wildlife and environment of Lake County, making videos about tobacco issues, traveling to Sacramento to meet with legislators regarding local needs, and learning leadership skills.
If you would like further information about the Lake County Tobacco Education Coalition call Joy Swetnam, project manager, Lake County Tobacco Education Program at 707-262-1611 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
