Orazietti's bill would let cops pull you over for smoking

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* MPP advocates to protect children and youth from second-hand smoke in automobiles

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti's bill would prohibit smoking in cars

QUEEN'S PARK - Today in the Ontario Legislature Sault Ste. Marie MPP, David Orazietti tabled legislation that would protect children under the age of 16 from second-hand smoke in automobiles across the province.

The Protecting Children and Youth from Second-Hand Smoke in Automobiles Act would give law enforcement officers the authority to pull over anyone smoking in a vehicle when passengers under 16 are present and fine them.

"This bill is important because research shows young people are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and as a result they are more likely to suffer from cancer, heart disease, asthma and a number of other respiratory problems," said Orazietti. "Some adults may not realize that for each hour a child is are exposed to second-hand smoke in a car, it is the equivalent to the child smoking an entire package of cigarettes."

Recent studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggest that children may be more vulnerable to second-hand smoke induced respiratory diseases due to smaller airways, greater oxygen demand and, hence, higher respiratory rates, as well as less-mature immune systems.

The same study, and additional reports released by the Ontario Medical Association, the New England Journal of Medicine, and countless others show that children exposed to second hand smoke show a greater likelihood of respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, and severe asthma symptoms.

"Second-hand smoke is harmful, particularly for children," says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. "If passed, this bill will help protect the health of children in this province and encourage parents and caregivers who smoke to improve their own health by quitting."

"It's our job as physicians and legislators to make sure children are protected from the dangers of second-hand smoke," said Dr. Janice Willet, president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). "This bill would ensure children do not have to suffer the damaging health effects of second-hand smoke in cars due to adult tobacco use, and we expect that all MPPs would want to follow Mr. Orazietti's lead and protect children's health."

The bill would amend the McGuinty government's Smoke-Free Ontario Act by prohibiting smoking in a vehicle when a child is present.

The act would allow for primary enforcement under the Highway Traffic Act giving officers the authority to levy fines of up to $200 for a first conviction and up to $1,000 for subsequent convictions.

Other jurisdictions, such as California, only permit secondary enforcement allowing an officer to levy a fine for smoking in a car when a child is present, if they are pulled over for another driving infraction.

"The Lung Association applauds this bill, which protects our most vulnerable population - children - from the proven harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Twelve percent of our province's children are already struggling to breathe because they have asthma and tobacco is a known trigger. The days should be long gone when children have to suffer in silence. This bill gives a loud voice to the rights of children to breathe air that is smoke-free," said George Habib, CEO, Ontario Lung Association.

The high intensity of second-hand smoke levels in cars make this bill an important piece of the public health campaign to curb Ontarians' exposure to cigarette smoke.

The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit stated that levels of second-hand smoke in vehicles can be far higher than those found in a smoke-filled bar.

Additionally, even in a vehicle moving at 65 kilometres an hour, with the windows open, the level of second-hand smoke is considered harmful to children.

"Mr. Orazietti is to be congratulated on his bill to amend the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. People need to be aware that smoking in cars with children present is an unacceptable and unsafe practice. Our thanks go to Mr. Orazietti for his leadership in this important initiative to protect Ontario's children from second hand smoke in cars," said Linda Stewart, executive director, Association of Local Public Health Agencies.

"The introduction of this bill is a major step forward in protecting children from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke and a critical component of an overall comprehensive tobacco control strategy" said Rocco Rossi, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

Public opinion polls demonstrate that the majority of Ontarians believe that smoking in cars while children are present should be prohibited.

An Ipsos-Reid poll conducted for the Ontario Tobacco Free Network, which was released today, found that 80 percent of Ontarians agree that children should be protected from second-hand smoke in a vehicle.

The results are part of an increasing trend observed in similar polls asking Ontario residents for their opinion on the issue.

Support for measures to protect children and youth from second-hand smoke in 1996 stood at 55 percent in 2002, 68 percent and 2005 reached 78 percent.

"More than a year ago we began gathering research and consulting various health organizations on this bill, which will hopefully gain the support of all members in the Ontario Legislature," said David Orazietti, Sault Ste. Marie MPP. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to the leading health advocates in the province for wholeheartedly endorsing this bill and for the tremendously positive work they do serving all Ontarians."

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