There is no risk-free level
of exposure to secondhand smoke.
-Richard Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General June 27, 2006
Secondhand smoke can cause premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke Federal, state and local governments have passed laws and ordinances to reduce the involuntary exposure of citizens to secondhand smoke (SHS). To promote the health of all residents and visitors, the state of Maine and the City of Portland have passed laws designed to further reduce involuntary exposure to SHS in public places.
SECONDHAND SMOKE AT PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS, BEACHES, CITY PARKS, ATHLETIC FACILITIES, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACES This ordinance prohibits smoking at designated City parks, trails and open spaces, and at or within 20 feet of City of Portland-owned or maintained public playgrounds, beaches, and athletic facilities. Click here to see the full text of the ordinance.
TOBACCO LITTER AND USE OF CITY TRASH CANS
Throw your trash including extinguished cigarette butts and other tobacco litter away. Portland trash cans are safe and located throughout the city for your convenience. Tobacco litter does not break down and pollutes our streets, rivers, streams and Casco Bay. Do your part to keep Portland clean. Click here for frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this ordinance.