SENATOR FUSCHILLO TEACHES BIRCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5TH GRADERS TO SAY “NO” TO TOBACCO

         Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo shows 5^th graders at Birch Elementary School that some of the same chemicals found in antifreeze are also found in cigarettes.

         State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8^th Senate District) recently visited Birch Elementary School in Merrick to teach 5^th grade students about the dangers of smoking and why they should say “no” to tobacco.

         "Each year, tens of thousands of children under the age of 18 become new smokers," said Senator Fuschillo, a member of the Senate’s Health Committee and the author of New York State’s Clean Indoor Air law. "By teaching students the facts about tobacco and showing them some of the harmful ingredients that are in cigarettes, they will learn that smoking is a dangerous and deadly addiction.

         During the presentation, Senator Fuschillo explained the harmful effects of smoking and why it is important to stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products. To illustrate some of the toxic ingredients contained in cigarettes, Senator Fuschillo showed the students a number of household items, such as roach spray, batteries, moth balls, antifreeze, and nail polish remover, that have some of the same chemicals as cigarettes.

         At the end of the presentation, each student received a "No Smoking Pledge" from Senator Fuschillo, which they can sign as a promise to stay away from smoking and commit to a healthy life.

         Senator Fuschillo is making his “No Smoking Pledges” available to children throughout his district. Parents who would like to request a pledge packet and have their child commit to say "no" to tobacco can do so by calling Senator Fuschillo's office at 516-882-0630.