Our Kids Deserve It: Lung Association Launches National Push For Smoke-free Cars, Canada

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 23 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The Lung Association launched "Stop Smoking in Cars! Our Kids Deserve It!" - a nationwide campaign designed to help Canadians push their provincial governments to tackle the issue of smoking in cars where children are present. The Association wants provincial governments to ensure people "butt out" if they are driving with kids.

Canadians are urged to visit http://www.cleanairforkids.ca and send a message directly to their provincial representative, Health Minister and Premier. The campaign will run until December 31, 2008.

"It is simply not acceptable that some children in Canada are forced to ride in cars when people are smoking - it's a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed" said Nora Sobolov, President and CEO of The Lung Association.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2003, the proportion of 12 year-olds regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in private vehicles was 17%. In people 12 years of age or older that number is 10%.

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 dangerous chemicals and carcinogens. Second-hand smoke in vehicles is especially potent when it is concentrated in a confined space.

Research shows that children exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk for many health problems.

Children and babies who are exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, and ear infections. They are also more likely to develop cancer and heart disease as adults. Second-hand smoke can make symptoms worse for kids who have asthma or a respiratory infection. Additionally, there is growing evidence that kids who are exposed to second-hand smoke before and after birth have more behaviour problems, shorter attention spans, and lower marks at school than their peers who aren't exposed to smoke.

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada's oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues. For more information on the Association, please visit http://www.lung.ca.