New! Tobacco-Free Community Garden Signs
Article by David Huber, American Lung Association
Even gardens could use some help against the harm of tobacco. The American Lung Association (ALA) in Pennsylvania has been working with York Front Street Farms Community Gardens to go tobacco-free. Tobacco-free, community gardens is not only important for the lungs of gardeners, but also for the growth of the plants. Tobacco and cigarettes can be a vector for Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), an RNA virus that negatively affects plants. TMV can be spread mechanically through touch or physical movement of tobacco residue. TMV infects a wide host range of vegetable plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Although TMV rarely kills plants, it severely stunts their growth and reduces crop yields. 

To assist with the campaign to go smoke & tobacco-free, ALA in Pennsylvania created eight smoke-free community garden signs that can be ordered for community gardens across the commonwealth. These new signs will be coupled with a campaign to educate community members about how tobacco residue can be hazardous to the growth of vegetable plants. For questions, contact Health Promotions Specialist, David Huber.