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Divi 130 Summary of Findings T T Park areas in Minnesota are used regularly by state residents. Tobacco use restrictions in outdoor environments such as parks and recreation areas are being established in Minnesota and other states across the U.S. The purpose of this study is to describe the support for tobacco -free park policies in Minnesota. To learn more about the public's perceptions of these policies, we conducted a survey of Minnesota residents. We also interviewed park and recreation professionals to ask specific questions about tobacco -free policies in Minnesota. Is secondhand smoke a problem? Yes. Secondhand smoke is a recognized cause of acute and chronic diseases in nonsmokers, and is a major source of indoor air pollution. Secondhand smoke is also responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths and 38,000 heart disease deaths in nonsmoking individuals each year in the United States. The most effective approach to reducing secondhand smoke exposure is to establish smoke-free environments. Research has suggested that the adoption of smoke-free policies creates a change in social norms around smoking, helps smokers reduce consumption or quit, and helps keep youth from starting. Public support for tobacco -free parks A survey was sent to Minnesota residents by mail in summer 2004. Of the 1,500 respondents, 75% had used any park area in the past month. Overall, 70% of those surveyed supported tobacco -free policies for outdoor park and recreation areas. The attitude of Twin Cities metro area residents was not different from residents living in other parts of the state. Respondents expressed support for tobacco -free policies to: • Reduce litter in park grounds. • Avoid the health effects of secondhand smoke. • Discourage youth smoking. • Establish positive role models for youth. • Promote community well-being. Po/icy components We also asked residents about the components of tobacco -free park policies (shown, right). Most people supported strong policies that prohibit tobacco use in youth areas, and asking policy violators to leave park areas. Just over half (53%) of respondents supported the prohibition of tobacco use in all parks at all times. Smokers were the only group generally less supportive of these policies. Preferences for tobacco -free park policies among Minnesota residents, 2004 Prohibit all forms of tobacco Prohibit tobacco in all 53°/ outdoor areas Prohibit tobacco during youth oriented events Prohibit tobacco in outdoor areas used by youth Enforce policy by asking violators to leave Enforce policy by giving violators a fine 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 0% Go/fern Thirty-five percent of our sample were golfers. Most golfers (81 %) were non-smokers, and 74% of non- smoking golfers supported tobacco -free park policies. We found that being a golfer did not make a difference in support for tobacco -free policies, but being a smoker did. 64 Go/fern Thirty-five percent of our sample were golfers. Most golfers (81 %) were non-smokers, and 74% of non- smoking golfers supported tobacco -free park policies. We found that being a golfer did not make a difference in support for tobacco -free policies, but being a smoker did.