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| Butt out when traveling in long car rides |
Tips for keeping your car smoke-free and your family safe: • Put a smoke-free car sticker on your window to let people know that your car is smoke-free and stop for regular cigarette breaks. • If it’s cold outside or raining, keep a warm jacket or umbrella in your car. If possible, stop at a place with an outdoor shelter for a smoke-break. • If you have a lighter or ashtray in your car, remove the lighter and fill your ashtray with objects such as gum or coins, this will help you to kick the habit. • When going on a long trip, plan for cigarette breaks when you stop for food or gas. • If you’re alone in the car with your children, turn off the car, step outside, and stand where you can see the children when you are smoking. Never leave the car running with them inside. By Katie Strachan The Oshawa Express Families will be spending more and more time traveling in cars for vacations to cottages or on day trips to water parks and zoos now that summer is here. This calls for a reminder of Ontario’s new smoke-free legislation. The legislation, which came into effect in January, bans smoking in all vehicles when children under 16 are present. If caught committing this offence, smokers are subject to a $250 fine. “Opening a window or sunroof is not an effective solution if you are smoking in the car,” says Mary Sue O’Connor, a public health nurse with the health department.“Exposing children to second-hand smoke in a vehicle has been linked to damaging and lifethreatening illnesses such as various forms of childhood cancer, respiratory infections and the onset of asthma.” S e c o n d - h a n d smoke can be 27 times more concentrated inside a vehicle t han in an outdoor space, states the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, making it very hazardous for children. Children, who are exposed to secondhand smoke in a confined space like a car, are at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and could also develop bronchitis, and serious respiratory infections like pneumonia. It can also lead to asthma and ear infections states Health Canada.“Not only does smoking in vehicles cause harm to one’s health, but it is now against the law when children under 16 are present,” says O’Connor.“As well, parents and caregivers set a good example for young children or youth when they do not smoke in the car.” |
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©2008 Dowellman Publishing Corp, All Rights Reserved
©2008 Dowellman Publishing Corp, All Rights Reserved
