THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 6, 2019 Page 7 City takes a stand against smoking and vaping By Barbara Taormina According to the National InN ew No Smoking/No Vaping signs will be going up in city buildings, schools and parks. The City Council voted unanimously in favor of Councillor-at-Large Debbie DeMaria’s order to install the new signs in the hope of pushing back against the trend of teen vaping. “We have an epidemic in our city and especially in our schools,” said DeMaria, adding that vaping is a problem for students as young as seventh graders. DeMaria said she had been working throughout the summer with Public Health Director Chris Webb and other city officials on strategies to prevent vaping and to educate the community about the health risks. stitute of Health (NIH), vaping exposes teens to levels of nicotine that can cause long-term harm to brain development. The NIH also warns that vaping products can contain toxins and tiny particles that can be harmful. Added to those health risks is the problem that many teens, and adults, believe vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. The new signs would emphasize that, like tobacco products, vaping is unacceptable and prohibited. “It’s not going to solve everything, but it is drawing a line – saying the City Council and the city truly believe this is an epidemic,” said DeMaria. Councillors were quick to support the order, especially since it clarifies and re-enforces an existing ordinance. State law prohibits smoking and vaping in schools and workplaces, such as the city’s municipal buildings. According to the city’s Tobacco Control Ordinance, nobody under 21 can possess or carry tobacco products or vaping devices. Anyone who breaks the rule can be hit with a $25 fine. Smoking and vaping are also prohibited in city parks, playgrounds, cemeteries and near athletic fields. Anyone who violates that section of the ordinance may be subject to a $100 fine. Webb told councillors that the city needs the signs to enforce the ordinance. He said that the Health Department occasionally receives complaints about peoSMOKING | SEE PAGE 13 Lawnmower Tune-Up and Repairs • We repair all makes & models! • Authorized • FREE PICK-UP for all Tune-Ups! all m • We r d K-U makes & mo ma akes & mo D KU for all Tun UP fo Biker’s Outfitter 1039 Broadway, Revere • (781) 289-6466 www.bikersoutfitter.com Award-Winning Landscaping Servicing the North Shore for over 38 Years Dealer ANGELO’S FULL "Over 40 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2019 Regular Unleaded $2.439 Mid Unleaded $2.799 Super $2.859 Diesel Fuel $2.759 KERO $4.759 Diesel $2.399 SERVICE HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS NOW BOOKING NEW CUSTOMERS! DON’T WAIT! Call 781-321-2074 Pavers * Walkways * Patios * Driveways * Pool Decks Planting * Perennials * Shrubs * Trees New Lawns * Sod * Hydroseed Flowers/Annuals/Mums * Conventional Seeding * Synthetic Complete Maintenance * Cleanups (Spring & Fall) * Lawn Cutting, Edging & Weeding * Lawn Fertilizer Programs * Trim & Prune Shrubs * Mulching, Thatching Interlock Block * Fire Pits * Sitting Walls * Pillers Landscape Lighting * Design * Install * Repair * Night Illumination Prices subject to change FLEET
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