A Florida county is mulling over a potential ban on a rapidly growing habit that impacts both the environment and public health.
According to News 4 Jax, the St. Johns County commissioners have proposed a full ban on smoking and vaping on county beaches and in parks.
The proposed ordinance would ban smoking and vaping within 600 feet of the Atlantic Ocean. It would also expand the definition of litter to include cigarette butts and vaping paraphernalia.
Cigarettes and vapes both pose significant health risks, particularly to young people. Their addictive properties are particularly potent for younger users.
Secondhand smoke from cigarettes can lead to respiratory issues or stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's been linked to an increased cancer risk as well.
Vaping is no better for you. Vapes contain similar carcinogens to cigarettes and also contain heavy metals like nickel and lead, per the CDC.
Perk up the winter blues with natural, hemp-derived gummies Camino's hemp-derived gummies naturally support balance and recovery without disrupting your routine, so you can enjoy reliable, consistent dosing without guesswork or habit-forming ingredients. Flavors like sparkling pear for social events and tropical-burst for recovery deliver a sophisticated, elevated taste experience — and orchard peach for balance offers everyday support for managing stress while staying clear-headed and elevated.
Learn more → |
The issues these activities create extend beyond your health; they can also have a profound impact on the environment.
Cigarette butts don't biodegrade, according to Ocean Care. They instead leach carcinogens and other harmful chemicals into soil or water, polluting them and threatening ecosystems. Their filters also break apart and generate microplastics, which are a significant problem in the environment.
Vapes share a similar environmental risk but have the added danger of lithium-ion batteries. When disposed of improperly, those batteries can pose a significant fire or explosion risk.
Students petitioned the county commissioners on behalf of the ordinance.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Do you think cigarettes should be illegal? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes 👍 Izzy Howell, a student in 8th grade, talked about finding a vape on the beach with her friends.
"We thought the right thing to do was pick it up and throw it away," Howell said.
Vape bans have been growing in popularity recently. Denver, Colorado, and Westchester County, New York, have both recently passed ordinances banning certain types of vapes.
If the ordinance passes, it's unclear what the punishment would be, but it would likely be some sort of fine.
💰Join TCD's exclusive Rewards Club to earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades that will help you slash your bills and future-proof your home.
Cool Picks
