Kids on board…it is a Smoke-Free zone.
On January 21st 2009, a new law came into effect in Ontario. The amendment to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act focuses on protecting kids under the age of 16 years from the dangers of second-hand smoke in a vehicle. Research has concluded that smoking in a vehicle is 27 times more concentrated than that in a smoker’s home. There is no safe way to smoke in the car. Exposure to second-hand smoke occurs even on short trips when the windows are down.
Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer health problems such as sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, bronchitis and asthma, as well have an increased risk of cancer and cardiac disease in adulthood. The new law states that:
· No smoking is allowed in a vehicle carrying a child under the age of 16 years
· This includes stationary and moving vehicles
· Anyone caught breaking the law can be fined up to $250.00
York YEL!T (Youth Exposing Lies !n Tobacco) has been actively promoting and educating the youth about smoke-free vehicles. During National Non-Smoking Week (January 18-24, 2009), York YEL!T ran booths that engaged students to learn about the new laws and the health effects of tobacco smoke at the Georgina high schools; Keswick High School, Sutton District High School and Our Lady Of The Lake. To engage kids electronically, York YEL!T created a video to warn about the hazards of second-hand smoke in vehicles. To check it out please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/yorkyelit
It is important to protect kids from second-hand smoke especially when traveling in a vehicle. The new law prohibits smoking in a vehicle while children under 16 are present.
