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Sarnia, ON – On your way to the cottage, to visit friends or an area campground this Victoria Day weekend, remember, it's against the law for any person - driver or passenger - to smoke in a vehicle if passengers are under the age of 16 years.
"There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke – especially in a vehicle, regardless of whether a window, sunroof or door is open," says Cathy Powell, Health Promotion Officer with the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department. “Second-hand smoke can be 27 times more concentrated inside a vehicle than indoor spaces.”
Exposing children and adolescents to tobacco smoke in a confined space, like a car, puts their health at risk. Research shows that children, who are exposed to tobacco smoke, have an increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections, worsening asthma symptoms, middle ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Second-hand smoke may also harm a child’s behaviour and attention span.
"Smoking in the presence of children and youth simply sets the wrong example that smoking is OK," she added.
Fabrics and upholstery in vehicles absorb and retain toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Try these tips to keep your vehicle smoke-free:
- Keep your cigarettes out of reach
- Put “No Smoking” stickers in your vehicle to make it a smoke-free zone
- Keep a supply of sugar-free chewing gum or hard candy in your ashtray
- Plan ahead - step outside for a cigarette break before getting in the vehicle with your children and plan smoking breaks along your road trip.
Police may charge those smoking in a vehicle with children or youth under 16 present. Fines range up to $250.
For information on this law or tools to keep your road trips smoke-free, call the Community Health Services Department at 519 344-2062 ext. 2129, toll free 1-800-387-2882 or the Tobacco Hotline at 519 383-3810 or 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3810 or visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca
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Contact:
Cathy Powell
Health Promotion Officer
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 383-8331 ext. 2129
Email: cathy.powell@county-lambton.on.ca
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