Every year World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
The City of Armadale supports smoke free environments and reducing the negative impacts of tobacco in the community.
Mayor Henry Zelones said smoking is recognised as the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
“As a former smoker that was able to eventually quit a 20 year addiction, I am fully aware that smoking not only negatively impacts on the health of the individual smoker, but exposes those around them to the dangers of second-hand smoke.
“Having personally lost four family members to smoking related diseases, I understand only too well that smoking, and even second-hand smoke, can cause serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer.
“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Breathing even a little second-hand smoke can be harmful to a person’s health.
“A smoke free environment is the only way to fully protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke,” said Mayor Zelones.
To encourage smoke free environments, the City of Armadale has smoke free event signage available for loan.
The banners are available free of charge to any community group or organisation within the City wishing to make their activities smoke free.
The funding for this initiative was provided under the Tobacco Control Grants Scheme through the Public Health Advocacy Institute of Western Australia, on behalf of the WA Department of Health.
Armadale Health Service will be the first to utilise this opportunity as part of their World No Tobacco Day activities, and in support of their smoke free policy. Staff, patients, visitors, contractors and volunteers are not permitted to smoke anywhere on the Armadale Health Service’s grounds, including the walkways, car parks or in vehicles.
The City of Armadale praises their commitment to providing a healthy, safe and smoke free environment to the Armadale community.
To utilise this smoke free signage or for more information on smoke free environments, please contact the City of Armadale on 9399 0111 or visit www.armadale.wa.gov.au