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Canada: Ontario launches campaign to curb smoking in cars with kids

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario are launching a campaign aimed at curbing smoking in cars carrying young children.

OMA president, Dr. Janice Willett said, "This campaign is aimed at those who still don't understand that if you smoke in the car with your children, it's just like they're smoking, too."

The OMA has called for a province-wide ban since 2004 after a report found that secondhand smoke inside a vehicle can be up to 23 times more toxic than inside a house.

That figure is now estimated to be double the original findings at 60 times more toxic inside a car than indoors, the OMA said.

In a statement OMA said, "The impact of cigarette smoke on children is far-reaching. Secondhand smoke can result in immediate respiratory problems, has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and is a risk factor in the development of cancer and heart disease later in the child's life."

Premier Dalton McGuinty announced last month that his government is drafting a ban against smoking in cars carrying children.

Nova Scotia became the first province in the country to ban the practice on April 1. British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island also have said they are considering such bans.

Source: Canada.com, 14th April 2008
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