CNW - A new law that protects children under 16 from second-hand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles, was passed in the Ontario legislature today (Monday).
Second-hand smoke in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times more concentrated than in a smoker's home. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Exposure to second-hand smoke among children has also been linked to lower cognitive test scores compared with children who were not exposed.
“We congratulate the Ontario government for taking this step to protect children's health,” says Peter Godhead, CEO of the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society. “Children don’t have a choice when it comes to being exposed to second-hand smoke while travelling by car and the risk to their health is serious because they breathe more air relative to their body weight.”
Ontario has one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in North America. Since 2003, tobacco consumption in Ontario has fallen by more than 30 per cent.
"Ontario's doctors would like to congratulate all MPPs for taking steps to protect the health of our children from the dangers of second-hand smoke,” aid Dr. Ken Arnold, president, Ontario Medical Association. “As doctors, we know how important it is to protect our children now so that they are able to lead healthy lives as adults. Doctors have been calling for a ban since 2004 and raising awareness about the serious impacts on children of second-hand smoke in cars. The amount of support it has received publicly and from MPPs of all stripes is an indication that more people are becoming educated about the negative health impacts of smoking. We're very excited to see this significant piece of legislation become a reality."
About the new law:
- Under the law, any person – driver or passenger – in the motor vehicle, who is smoking while someone else under 16 is present, is committing an offence. The person holding lighted tobacco
would be subject to a fine.
- Every person who fails to comply with the new law is guilty of an offence and subject to a set fine of $250.
- The law applies to both moving and stationary vehicles and applies to all motor vehicles, regardless of whether any window, sunroof, rooftop, door, or other feature of the vehicle is open.
Learn more at www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/smoke_free/
