WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure are leading preventable causes of illness and premature death in North Carolina and the nation; and WHEREAS, children model adult behavior and benefit from positive models of non-smoking behavior and positive reinforcement of healthy lifestyle messages through exposure to smoke and tobacco free public areas; and WHEREAS, research indicates that, during active smoking, outdoor levels of secondhand smoke may be as high as indoor levels and may pose a health risk for people in close proximity; and WHEREAS, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation reports close to 500 municipalities have eliminated exposure to secondhand smoke with 100% Smoke Free Parks; and We, the undersigned, in order to promote the health of our children and all residents and visitors to Black Mountain, support the adoption of an ordinance limiting tobacco use in Black Mountain's parks, greenways, and other public open spaces.

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