FINGER LAKES, NY | August 12, 2026
As families begin to prepare for a new school year, they look to Finger Lakes’ parks and trails to enjoy the final weeks of summer. The Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes (TACFL) reminds local communities that smoke-free and vape-free outdoor spaces help create healthier, cleaner and more welcoming environments for everyone.
In April 2026, TACFL conducted an adult community tobacco assessment survey focusing on Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties. The survey examined adult attitudes and behaviors related to tobacco use, nicotine products and e-cigarettes. More than 60% of respondents support policies promoting smoke-free parks, playgrounds, recreational areas and other public spaces where people gather. Only 19% opposed those policies while the remaining respondents were neutral or unsure. Additionally, 61% of adult respondents believe that seeing tobacco or nicotine product use in outdoor public spaces makes youth “somewhat or much more likely to use tobacco products themselves.”
“The survey confirms what we hear from residents throughout Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties,” says Hannah Lee, Director for TACFL. “Community members want parks and public spaces that are healthy, welcoming and smoke-free by reducing exposure from tobacco smoke, vape aerosol and tobacco-related litter.”
Secondhand smoke and vape aerosol are more than an annoyance. Both contain cancer-causing chemicals, such as cadmium, an active component in battery acid and a toxic metal. The American Lung Association reports more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and at least 69 of them are known to cause cancer. The organization also notes that “e-cigarettes can contain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that create flavorings and ultrafine particles that significantly and negatively affect your health.”
Tobacco’s impact on the environment is another reason to keep Finger Lakes spaces smoke-free and vape-free. Cigarette butts and discarded e-cigarette products contribute toxic chemicals and microplastics and hazardous waste to the environment. Discarded vaping devices contain lithium batteries and heavy metals that can contaminate soil and water.
“Residents take pride in the Finger Lakes’ parks, trails and outdoor spaces,” adds Tracy Brown-Simmons, Community Engagement for TACFL. “Smoke-free and vape-free policies help keep these areas clean while reducing children’s exposure to tobacco litter and nicotine products.”
TACFL remains committed to improving the health of Finger Lakes communities, with efforts focused on Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties. TACFL, funded through a grant from New York State’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and a program of the American Lung Association, is one of 21 community partnerships across New York State. Learn more about TACFL’s initiatives at SmokeFreeFingerLakes.com.
