A plume of addiction

To the Editor: Addiction to nicotine is a childhood disease that is impacting rural youth. That's because people start smoking as teenagers, and rural communities have not adopted the protective policies that so many urban areas have in place.

Smoking rates are now highest in rural California, when it used to be the urban core that smoked the most. Counties on the north coast have some of the highest smoking rates in the state, and our youth are more at risk for starting to smoke.

Cities and counties across the nation, and especially in California, have adopted policies that prohibit smoking in many public places. These have been proven to protect non-smokers, and also help smokers cut down and quit. No-smoking policies also support our youth who are less likely to see smoking as a desirable, social activity.

One example of a dangerous trend was a recent encounter with a group of 4-H youth at the Mendocino County fair in September, who were proudly walking from the stalls sharing an electronic cigarette. To be fair, the Fairground is moving in the right direction toward a smoke-free policy.

Comprehensive secondhand smoke policies remind everyone that nicotine addiction is something we want to prevent. Many urban areas with no-smoking policies have experienced the benefits for years. It's time that rural areas join the club and protect our kids from a lifetime of addiction.

— -Jay McCubbrey, PhD. Larry Olson, Chair Project Director Mendocino County, TobaccoFree North Coast Tobacco

Prevention Coalition