Want to Quit Smoking?
At the end of the day, the very best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from secondhand smoke is to not smoke at all. In Washington state, there are a variety of resources available for people who are trying to quit.
One good way to start the process is by calling the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW). When you call the quit line, you’ll gain access to free information, counseling, a personalized quit plan, local quitting resources and quit kits.
If you’re not ready to call the quit line, visit the Web site: www.quitline.com. The site provides resources for people thinking about quitting, information on local quit programs and an online, interactive quit plan.
Not ready to quit?
Here are some simple things you can do to avoid harming the people close to you:
- Keep your children free from secondhand smoke – avoid smoking around them. Their lungs are still growing and they are more susceptible to the chemicals in tobacco smoke.
- Keep your home free of secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke remains in the air and on your clothes long after you have finished your cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Avoid smoking in your house to help prevent harm to your family by being exposed to your tobacco smoke.
- When smoking outside the home, be conscious of neighbors living close by, especially in apartment buildings. Make sure you smoke away from other people and avoid smoking within 25 feet of doorways and open windows.
- Keep your car smoke-free. Avoid smoking in the car when passengers are present – or, better yet, choose not to smoke at all. Tobacco smoke in small, closed spaces (like cars) has a high concentration of toxic chemicals and increases the exposure for nonsmokers riding with you.
- If you need support to stop smoking, call the toll-free Washington Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.quitline.com. Read these helpful quit tips to get the process started.
The American Legacy Foundation says: Re-learn how to handle stress without cigarettes and stay quit for good, free at www.BecomeAnEx.org.
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Last Updated: 04/21/10
This Web site contains information on the revised Clean Indoor Air Act (RCW 70.160). It is not legal advice. This information cannot be considered as a substitute for legal advice from and representation by a qualified attorney.
Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Health (DOH). Links to external Web sites are provided because they may contain relevant information and resources. These external Web sites are not maintained by DOH and the Department takes no responsibility for the views that may be represented, or the accuracy, propriety, or legality of any material contained on the sites. Read More...