County proposal would prohibit public smoking and vaping

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:00 p.m. to receive public testimony on a proposed ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping at indoor public places, places of employment, and certain youth-oriented outdoor public places.

“We are committed to putting policy in place to support the health of our community, with a strong focus on the health of our youth,” stated Thurston County Board of Health Chair, Tye Menser. “The use of vaping products among Thurston County youth is rising at an alarming rate.”

What: Public Hearing on Smoking and Vaping in Public Places

When: Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Time: 5:00 p.m., or soon thereafter
Place: Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, Washington 98502

How: Members of the public may attend in person; or over the phone at 360-252-9020 Pin: 1234

Note: Anyone attending in-person must wear a cloth face-covering or mask and maintain at least six feet physical distance 

Smoking and vaping are not harmless. Smoking is harmful to those exposed to the smoke as well as to the individuals smoking. Vaping aerosols contains particles of solvents, flavorings, and other chemicals produced in the heating process. These may result in health consequences for those exposed, especially vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised lung or heart conditions.

Vaping among young people is a growing concern in Thurston County. Thurston County has experienced a significant increase in youth use of e-cigarettes and other vapor products, with 48% of 12^th graders having tried vaping at some point and 32% of 12^th graders currently vaping according to the 2018 Healthy Youth Survey. Young people who use e-cigarettes are at a higher risk for using cigarettes and other substances.

Written Comments: 

Written comments may be submitted in lieu of verbal testimony. Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2020. Send written comments to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department, Attn: Chris Hawkins, 412 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506; fax comments to (360) 867-2600; or send via email to Chris.hawkins@co.thurston.wa.us. Comments may also be dropped off, in person, at 412 Lilly Road NE between Noon and 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

You can find copies of the proposed ordinance at:   https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/smoking-vipp-sepa.aspx. Copies are also available at the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department at 412 Lilly Road NE, between noon and 4:00 pm Monday – Friday. They will be mailed upon request.

Accommodations:

To request disability accommodations, call the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at least three days prior to the meeting at 360-786-5440. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may call via Washington Relay: 711 or 800-833-6388.