Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Remember to butt out when you buckle up
Canadian Cancer Society pleased with implementation of legislation today protecting children in vehicles from second-hand smoke
The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased with the Ontario government’s implementation today of a ban on smoking in cars where children are present.
"We congratulate the Ontario government for taking this step to protect children's health," says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. “This law reinforces the important message to parents and caregivers that when you buckle up, butt out.”
The legislation prohibits smoking in vehicles when a person who is less than 16 years of age is present in the vehicle. For further health protection, the Society advises parents and caregivers to completely refrain from smoking in their vehicles at all times as toxins in smoke are absorbed by materials like car upholstery.
The risk to children’s health when exposed to tobacco smoke in vehicles is serious because of the confined space and because children breathe more air relative to their body weight.
“The new law also means children of smokers will see their parents use tobacco less often,” adds Goodhand. “The fewer times children see adults smoking, the less normal it will become.”
To further protect youth health, the Society calls on the government to follow through with their commitment to implement legislation banning candy-flavoured cigarillos and close the loophole that allows these products to be sold one at a time.
One of the most effective ways to eliminate children’s exposure to second-hand smoke is to provide support to parents and caregivers who smoke to help them quit.
The Society encourages parents and caregivers who smoke to call Smokers’ Helpline at 1 877 513-5333. The Society’s Smokers' Helpline is a free, confidential telephone service that provides callers easy access to a trained quit specialist. Online support can also be accessed anytime at www.smokershelpline.ca.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For more information, please contact:
Christine Koserski
Sr. Coordinator, Media Relations
Ontario Division
Phone: (416) 488-5402 x 2305
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