Make Your Car Smoke-Free

This winter, County of Lambton Community Health Services Department wants all drivers and all passengers who smoke to keep the vehicle smoke-free by taking it outside and away from children.

Children are among the most vulnerable to the damaging health effects of second-hand smoke," says Cathy Powell, Health Promotion Officer with Community Health Services. "Evidence shows that tobacco smoke puts youth at a greater risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, ear infections and asthma while infants have an increased chance of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)."

• In 2006, 25% of Canadians were exposed to second-hand smoke in a vehicle [Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS)]

• 10% of Canadians are exposed to second-hand smoke in a vehicle at least once per week

• 1 in 30 Canadians is exposed to second-hand smoke in a vehicle every day

• Second-hand smoke kills more than 1,000 Canadians every year (Health Canada)

• In a vehicle, second-hand smoke, is up to 23 times more toxic than in the home because of the confined space. (Ontario Medical Association, 2004)

"Parents want to keep their children safe, but those who smoke around their kids may be unaware of the risks or unable to quit because of a nicotine addiction," adds Powell. "Unfortunately, children can't choose who they travel with or how safe the trip will be. It's up to parents, caregivers or adults to protect them."

Opening a window will not cut the risk, and smoking only when children are not passengers is not a safe option. Smoke-free is the only protection.