Lexington Board of Health Approves Tobacco Rule Edits, Votes to Stay Virtual

LEXINGTON — March 18, 2025 — Lexington Board of Health accepts attorney-drafted edits to tobacco regulations and votes to stay virtual. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt minor language corrections to Articles 3 and 22 of the town's tobacco control bylaws, recommended by town counsel after a prior vote of approval pending legal review; both articles take effect March 25. Chair Dr. Heiger-Bernese and board member Dr. Tung gave extended updates on the artificial turf working group, noting that no enforceable PFAS testing standard currently exists for procurement contracts and that the Harrington field site — home to no existing artificial turf — remains in active public debate, with Dr. Tung citing new research linking microplastic tissue accumulation to elevated cardiovascular risk. The board also voted four to zero to continue holding meetings remotely, pending the governor's expected signature on state legislation extending virtual-meeting authority through June 30, 2027.