Jill Schramm/MDN Kira Lampton with First District Health Unit displays an electronic cigarette as she and other health advocates speak to the State Fair Board July 19 regarding a tobacco-free day at the fair in 2020.

Lori Halvorson recalled the cigarette smoke that wafted less than six feet away from children at last year’s North Dakota State Fair.

“It’s just not good,” she told the fair board Friday. “It’s time to do what the community wants.”

Halvorson, president of the Minot STAMP Coalition, and other tobacco prevention advocates presented a 2018 survey showing 69% of North Dakota respondents support a tobacco-free policy on the fairgrounds. The group asked the board to set aside a fair day next year as tobacco-free. The board took their request under review at its meeting last Friday. Board members could make a decision at a future meeting, possibly as early as this fall.

Today is the annual Military/Family Day at the State Fair, which runs through Saturday. That is the day advocates would like to see designated tobacco-free in 2020. Buildings on the fairgrounds already are smoke-free, but the proposed policy would extend the ban to the entire grounds.

Abby Erickson, community programs coordinator for the North Dakota Health Department’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, cited the success of the state’s indoor smoke-free air law but noted the work isn’t done in tobacco prevention.

“The danger of second-hand smoke occurs outdoors as well. There is documented evidence that this is true. Tobacco-free policies help reduce cigarette butt litter, as these are the most littered items on the earth,” she said. “They are toxic and nonbiodegradable.”

Discarded electronic vaping cartridges contain heavy metals and residual nicotine, which can be a hazard to fairgoers, including the animals, Erickson added.

The Bismarck Tobacco-Free Coalition sent a representative with a letter encouraging the fair board to consider a tobacco-free policy. Reasons for doing so include protection of public health and safety, prevention of potential fires and reduction of litter that diminishes the attractiveness of the fairgrounds and increases maintenance. The coalition also stated second-hand smoke in outdoor settings can reach levels as high as in indoor areas.

Halvorson said designating a family day as tobacco-free is unlikely to hurt attendance. She said the military has a stringent tobacco-free policy at its facilities, so increased restrictions at the fair are unlikely to deter service members from attending.

Asked how the ban might be enforced, Halvorson said if the messaging is there and people are reminded, they will comply. However, without a tobacco-free policy, it is difficult for people to request that those around them refrain from using tobacco, she said.

The fair board had been asked last year to partner in the tobacco-free policy survey but declined, due to the need to make an immediate decision. The board also declined to make an immediate decision last Friday.

“If your fear is how do we do this and how do we get people to understand and support it, we are here to help you,” Halvorson said. She said advocates can assist with publicity, community education, signage, social media, and can provide volunteers at the gate or set up booths to remind people of the ban.

The board voiced concern about giving an outside group that kind of leeway to assist because it opens the door to more groups wanting similar license. Board members indicated support for the tobacco-free concept but said a policy must be written carefully.

“We appreciate the survey results,” President Gary Knell told the group. “We will discuss it further.”