This tool can help you organize a Blue Light campaign. This is a movement in the community where families
who commit themselves to having a tobacco-free house or apartment show their commitment by installing a
blue light (bulb) on an outside wall of their home (e.g., front door or balcony).
The campaign aims to reduce the exposure of families, and especially children, to second-hand smoke in
homes and to the dangers of exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as to encourage smoking cessation.
The tool provides steps for organizing a campaign and includes useful documents for this purpose (newsletter,
promotional poster, participation certificate).
STEPS FOR ORGANIZING A BLUE LIGHT CAMPAIGN
Prepare the campaign
- Identify the person who will be responsible for responding to families who want to get involved and who
will give them the necessary material
- Ensure a hardware store or other retailer will stock the blue lights.
- Involve partners who will support you in promoting or funding the campaign.
Publicize the campaign
 Send an information letter to the families that explains the campaign and also serves to raise their
awareness to the dangers of exposure to second-hand smoke (see Appendix 1).
This letter may be distributed by mail, hand delivered door-to-door or handed out at events taking place
in the community.
 Disseminate information on the campaign through the radio or the local newspaper. (See Appendix 1)
 Display a promotional campaign poster in strategic places in the community (e.g., community center,
shops, health center, etc.). (See Appendix 2)
Distribute the blue lights and participation certificates
Distribute to families who request them a blue light (bulb) and a participation certificate (certificate in
Appendix 3). Encourage them to display their certificate prominently in their residence.
Offer additional tools to participating families
Distribute to families who desire them the tools in this kit that will help them make their environment
tobacco-free. For example:
- Guide for protecting your family against second-hand smoke
- Cessation resources brochure
Organize a contest among all the families who identify their residence as tobacco-free.
(Consult the “Action steps for organizing a contest” included in the toolkit.)
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Appendix 1
Information letter to be distributed to families
The health center in our community is organizing an awareness campaign against harmful health effects of
second-hand smoke. The Blue Light campaign aims to protect community members, and especially children,
from second-hand smoke in their current residence (houses and apartments).
How can the health of children and everybody else be protected?
There is evidence that second-hand smoke can cause health problems among children and non-smokers. By not
smoking in people’s residences, we protect everybody’s health.
How can people participate in the Blue Light campaign?
Families or individuals who do not smoke or who already smoke outside their home (away from doors and
windows) are invited to install a blue light (bulb) on an outside wall of their residence (e.g., front door or
balcony) to show that their residence is “tobacco-free.”
We would like to invite you to participate in this initiative by proudly installing your blue light to show respect
for your children, parents and non-smoking friends, and to enjoy the benefits of a tobacco-free home.
I breathe pure and fresh air, I do not smoke in my home!
How can you obtain your free blue light?
Contact the health center
[insert contact information]
Appendix 1
What is second-hand smoke?
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Second-hand smoke refers to the smoke that smokers exhale and the smoke that rises from a burning cigarette.
This smoke contains 7,000 chemicals of which 70 are known to cause cancer (e.g., arsenic, asbestos).
Some facts about second-hand smoke:
 Second-hand smoke is more toxic than the smoke inhaled by the smoker.
 The risk of developing cancer as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke is 57 times higher than that
posed by all the pollutants in the atmosphere.
 Exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy can cause serious complications for the mother and
her unborn child, including sudden infant death.
 Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to second-hand smoke and risk
developing various health problems (recurrent ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, etc.)
 The home is where children are most exposed to second-hand smoke.
 Smoking in a closed room in the house greatly increases the concentration of harmful chemicals in
second-hand smoke.
 Smoking a cigarette under the range hood or near an open window does not protect against the toxic
effects of second-hand smoke.
 Once the cigarette is out, second-hand smoke remains in the environment (clothing, carpets, sofas, air
etc.) and is still toxic.
Sources:
http://www.lagangallumee.com/en/faqs?subj=secondhand
http://www.famillesansfumee.ca/design/fr/English/Why_Live_Smoke_Free/Information_To_Know/Exposure.html
FNQLHSSC (2015). Healing from Smoking.
http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Nouvelles/Fiche.aspx?doc=fumee-secondaire-fumer-sous-hotte-pas-suffisant-pour-sante_20100923
http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/santepub/tabac/index.php?La-fumee-de-tabac-dans-lenvironnement
Appendix 2
Blue Light campaign
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Join us in making
[community name],
a healthy community!
We protect our health,
our homes are
tobacco-free!
Make the choice to have a tobacco-free home.
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install a blue light on an outside wall of your residence (e.g., front
door or balcony) to show that your residence is “tobacco-free.”
Obtain your free blue light
at the health center!
[insert contact information]
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Certificate of
participation
Our home is tobacco-free!
We are proud to participate in the
[community name] Blue Light campaign
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