To the Editor:

In response to New York Public Health Law, it is stated that “Smoking is prohibited in the following outdoor areas: ticketing, boarding and platform areas of railroad stations, on the grounds of general hospitals and residential health care facilities, within 15 feet of a building entrance or exit, or within 15 feet of the entrance to the grounds of any hospital.” As we all know, this law is not followed, nor is it enforced.

I am writing about this concern today because I am a new mother and the dangers of tobacco inhalation are affecting my newborn as I leave or enter public buildings. The effects of secondhand smoke just in children include asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and SIDS.

I feel strongly about this issue due to the negative effects secondhand smoke can have on my child, as well as other children. Since my child is not exposed to secondhand smoke in my home, I do not feel he should be exposed when we are entering a public building for an appointment, or to go grocery shopping.

Many laws have been set in place regarding smoking in public, but they are not enforced. Advancing Tobacco Free Communities is working towards getting public playgrounds, parks, and recreations centers smoke-free, as well as apartment buildings, to protect residents and children. As people work towards protecting children, as well as adults, we should start enforcing the laws that are already put in place to do so as well.

I don’t believe there is a parent out there that wants to see their child get hurt in any way, and tobacco hurts children indirectly every day.

I encourage people to reach out to the professionals at Seaway Valley Prevention Council to counteract this problem. As a mother, and prevention professional, I worry about my son’s health, along with the health of other innocent people.

Jennifer Brown

Gouverneur