Smoke Free

Secondhand Smoke Science Supports Smoke-Free Fair

Why is smoking restricted in public gathering places?
Secondhand smoke is a health hazard to nonsmokers. Local and state laws now prohibit smoking in most public places.   The Smoke-free Workplace Law protects the 86% of the public who do not smoke from involuntary exposure.  The Smoke-Free Fair reduces the potential for children to associate smoking and tobacco with a healthy lifestyle; protects the public and fair workers from smoking and tobacco-related litter and pollution; and affirms the family-friendly atmosphere that the Marin Fair is known for.

Scientific studies support outdoor smoking bans:
Non-smokers and smokers alike experience allergy-like symptoms in the presence of secondhand smoke: burning eyes, headaches, nausea, increased colds, and general lowering of immune system.

There is scientific evidence that these symptoms can progress to diseases such as asthma, heart disease and heart attacks (because secondhand smoke thickens the blood and can cause dangerous clots), lung cancer and other cancers. 

Outdoor air toxicologists and the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General have recently issued reports that secondhand smoke is a dangerous toxic air contaminant, for which there is no known safe level of exposure.

For more information on scientific studies about health hazards of secondhand smoke exposure, visit the following websites:

California Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resource Board
Environmental Tobacco Smoke: A Toxic Air Contaminant fact sheet

U.S. Surgeon General
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Press Release
Full Report

Secondhand Smoke: What it means to you

Repace Associates, Inc. Secondhand Smoke Consultant
Fact Sheet on Secondhand Smoke

Tobacco Scam- UCSF

Smoking Areas: there is no smoking inside the Fair, which includes buildings as well as outdoor grounds and exhibits. Three designated smoking tents have been set up in the parking lot for the convenience of those who choose to smoke.

Help for Smokers: we are sensitive to our fair-goers and workers who smoke and understand that for many quitting smoking is difficult. Nicotine is a very addictive drug. For any workers or other Marin residents who are thinking about quitting tobacco use we provide cessation services through Bay Area Community Resources, a local non-profit organization with an excellent track record in helping people with addictions. You can refer employees; friends and neighbors to this agency by having them call (415) 444-5580 ext.399. Non Marin residents may call the California Smokers Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS to receive phone assistance (in most languages) with quitting smoking.