Law banning second-hand smoke takes effect today

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces legislation to protect children from second-hand smoke in automobiles becomes law today

McGuinty government enacts local MPP’s initiative to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses among Ontario’s youth QUEEN'S PARK - The McGuinty government enacted a new law today, as part of National Non-Smoking Week, based on Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti’s private member’s bill that proposed to protect children from second-hand smoke in automobiles.

“I am extremely pleased that our government has taken this important step to protect Ontario’s children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in automobiles,” said Orazietti. “This new law will help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma and a number of other respiratory illnesses among young people and is part of our government’s continuing commitment to make Ontario a healthier place to live.”

The new law is an amendment to the McGuinty government’s Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, a plan that encourages young people not to smoke, helps smokers quit and protects people from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Under the law, a driver or passenger smoking in a motor vehicle, while someone else under the age of 16 is present, is committing an offence, and can be fined up to $250.

“Second-hand smoke is dangerous to our children,” said Margarett Best, Ontario’s minister of health promotion. “This new law demonstrates the McGuinty government’s commitment to the health of our children, and to a smoke-free Ontario.”

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.

“The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has long advocated for a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. Ontario’s doctors want to congratulate the McGuinty government, Minister Best, David Orazietti and all members of the legislature, for the work that has been done in implementing this important legislation,” said Dr. Ken Arnold, president of the OMA. “By ensuring the protection of Ontario’s children from second-hand smoke in vehicles today, we are helping them to continue to live healthy lives in the future.”

Orazietti originally tabled legislation that would protect children under the age of 16 from second-hand smoke in automobiles across the province on December 9, 2007.

On March 5, 2008, Premier McGuinty announced that the provincial government, through the minister of health promotion, would adopt Orazietti’s proposed bill.

Similar legislation was tabled by Minister Best on April 30, 2008.

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 and released on December 9, 2007, 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.

Quick facts

- Second-hand smoke levels in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home

- Ontario has one of the most comprehensive smoke-free strategies in North America, including one of the toughest laws to protect people from second-hand smoke in restaurants, bars, offices, schools, day care centres and hospitals

- Since 2003, tobacco consumption in Ontario has fallen by more than 30 percent.

Learn more

Want some help to quit smoking?

Call the Smokers’ HelpLine at 1-877-513-5333, or visit here.

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