To the Editor:

I am a student at Potsdam High School and an intern with the Tobacco-Free Outdoors Program. I have been well educated on the harmful effects of tobacco, which back up my personal beliefs. Children go to public areas like playgrounds, parks, and beaches to have fun.

People who do not abide to the non-smoking areas are harming these children. One cigarette contains 250 carcinogens in passive smoke. Children inhale these toxins and can later be affected physically.

Additionally, littered cigarette butts on the beaches are a problem. Young children are not educated on the dangerous chemicals that make up cigarettes, and they are naturally curious. They often pick up the littered cigarette butts, and usually ingest them.

When one eats a part of a cigarette, they often experience illness including spontaneous vomiting. That is because there are over 7,000 chemicals in one cigarette.

Please, do not let our youth be exposed to the harmful effects of smoking and cigarettes. Take a stand to make the public areas in our community safe for everyone.

Bonnie Smyth, Potsdam