Tobacco Education Project
Tobacco Education Project
The Tobacco Education Project works to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke in Imperial County. The program partners with schools, youth, and community organizations to raise awareness, encourage quitting, and support policies that create healthy, tobacco-free environments,
Our Partner
Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Imperial County
The Tobacco Education Project serves as the main agency providing support and coordination to the coalition, providing the community the space, the knowledge, and resources to come together and support problem-solving efforts to advance tobacco control work. The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Imperial County is made up of the Imperial County Public Health Department Tobacco Education Project, community volunteers, and people from local groups and businesses that are not connected to the tobacco industry.
The Coalition works to stop tobacco ads aimed at youth, reduce youth access to tobacco, and lower exposure to second-hand smoke.
Anyone in Imperial County who wants to help reduce youth tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure can join the Coalition. We welcome community members who want to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco.
Become a coalition member today!
Education & Awareness
Tobacco Use is the Top Cause of Preventable Illness and Death in the U.S.
Tobacco causes different types of cancers, chronic lung diseases, heart diseases, pregnancy-related problems, and other serious health problems.
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Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can sneak under doors and through cracks in walls and floors. It can move from one room to another through the air, vents, electric outlets, pipes, and even from balconies, patios, or shared spaces outside.
The California Youth Tobacco Survey (CYTS) is a project of the California Department of Public Health’s California Tobacco Prevention Program. It aims to obtain statewide estimates of use for various tobacco products by middle and high school students in California to inform statewide prevention and intervention efforts. For Imperial County in 2023, 868 students in 10th or 12th grades at 7 high schools completed the survey. This report summarizes their key responses. View the full report below:
- Secondhand smoke is very dangerous. The EPA calls it a top-level cancer risk, along with things like radon and asbestos. It causes about 46,000 deaths each year from heart disease in nonsmokers.
- Children are at extra risk because their lungs are still growing.
- Secondhand smoke can make asthma worse and even cause life-threatening attacks.
- Smoking also causes 24% of home fire deaths.