News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 14, 2009

Get Your Motor Running…Get Out on the Highway in your Smoke-Free Vehicle

For many, the May long weekend marks the start of the summer season. Families take to the highways to visit friends, to open their cottage or to have their first campfire at one of the many parks and campgrounds across Ontario. The Grey Bruce Health Unit would like to remind everyone that in Ontario, it is against the law for any person - driver or passenger – to smoke in a vehicle where there are passengers under 16 years old, regardless of whether a window, sunroof or door is open. 

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke – especially in a vehicle”, says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn. “Second-hand smoke can be 27 times more concentrated inside a vehicle than in other indoor spaces.”

Exposing children and developing adolescents to tobacco smoke in a confined space like a car puts their health at risk. “Research has shown that children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are at increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections, worsening asthma symptoms, middle ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome”, says Lynn. “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 okay.

Fabrics and upholstery in vehicles can absorb and retain the toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke. This is why the Health Unit is encouraging everyone to 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 and plan smoking breaks along your road trip.  

Anyone found smoking in a vehicle where children or youth under 16 are present might receive a fine of up to $250 from the local police service. Any member of the public who wishes to report a potential violation of the smoking in motor vehicles provision of the Act may contact their local police service. Do not use 911 as this service is for emergencies only.

For more information on this law or for tools to keep your road trips smoke-free, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Miguelle Mann

Tobacco Enforcement and Education Officer

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1477