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Tobacco Regulations
Together We Can Save Countless Lives
Smoking has been the number-one cause of preventable death and disease in this country for decades. If we could eliminate tobacco use entirely, the results would be staggering:
- We would prevent nearly half a million premature deaths each year.
- We would save the lives of 5.6 million children alive today who would die prematurely because of smoking.
- 58 million Americans still exposed to secondhand smoke would breathe more freely.
- We would prevent one out of three cancer deaths in this country.
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Board of Health Policy on E-Cigarette Use
In January 2016, the Orange County Board of Health reviewed the emerging evidence on the risks of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol exposure and voted to develop a proposed rule to prohibit use in enclosed areas of bars and restaurants. Learn more about the proposed rule and research related to e-cigarettes.
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Smoke-Free Housing
Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths, and the evidence is clear that secondhand smoke is harmful for health. Learn more about our smoke-free housing efforts and what you can do.
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Smoke-Free Public Places
Since 2013, Orange County's public places have been smoke-free. The rule includes places such as government grounds, parks, sidewalks, and any enclosed facility where the public is invited such as lobbies and other common areas. Read more about Orange County's smoke-free public places.
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Enforcement & Compliance
Review how the rule is enforced and the compliance information.
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File a Complaint
File a smoking complaint online.
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Smoking Cessation
The US Surgeon General has said, "Smoking cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." Find out more about cessation services in Orange County.
Youth Tobacco Program Resources
The Food and Drug Administration’s “The Real Cost” peer-to-peer campaigns are designed to educate at-risk youth aged 12-17 about the harms of tobacco use. The real cost campaign has expanded to educate teens on the dangers of e-cigarette use. Campaign messages focus on educating youth that using e-cigarettes, just like cigarettes, puts them at risk for addiction and other health consequences. | |
QuitlineNC provides free cessation services to any North Carolina resident who needs help quitting tobacco use. Quit Coaching is available in different forms, which can be used separately or together, to help any tobacco user give up tobacco. Telephone Service is available 24/7 toll-free at
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Researchers at the Eastern Virginia Medical School worked with a 30-member Teen Advisory Council, a 19-member Expert Panel and used a great deal of formative research and message testing to develop the campaign Rethink Vape. The final campaign includes video ads, a microsite (rethinkvape.org), and social media sites (@rethinkvape). Based on themes garnered in initial research, the campaign communicated three messages to teens: what’s in the vapor, health risks, and connections to big tobacco. The ads and other materials are available to use for free. Review the content and contact Ann.Staples@dhhs.nc.gov for details. | |
Dedicated to defending teens from tobacco companies lies and deceptions. "truth" produces television and digital content to encourage teens to reject tobacco and to unite against the tobacco industry. Requires flash plugin. https://www.thetruth.com/ | |
Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against tobacco. |
Vaping Information for Parents:
- https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf
- https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_Spanish_508.pdf
- https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/how-to-talk-with-your-kids-about-vaping-guide/
Vaping Information for Coaches, Educators and Healthcare Professionals:
- http://www.scholastic.com/youthvapingrisks/#grades9-12
- https://catchinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CATCH-My-Breath-One-Pager.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/OSH-E-Cigarettes-and-Youth-What-Educators-and-Coaches-Need-to-Know-20190327-508.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/OSH_E-Cigs_and_Youth_Initiative_Fact_Sheets-Educators_Spanish_v03_Release_508.pdf
Information on the Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke
- American Cancer Society
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Surgeon General's Report on the Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (2006)
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Be Tobacco Free