TIME FOR ONTARIO TO ACT TO PROTECT CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Doctors call on province to follow municipal lead in banning smoking in cars with kids

Toronto, ON, November 28, 2007– On behalf of the province’s doctors, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) applauds councillors in York Region and London for taking steps towards protecting children from second-hand smoke in vehicles. Doctors are calling on the provincial government to follow this lead, and implement a province-wide ban on smoking in cars carrying children.

“We have seen an increasing number of cities and states in Canada, the United States and abroad, take a leadership role in protecting children’s health,” said Dr. Janice Willett, President of the OMA. “If London follows through with their initiative, we hope it will lead to a province-wide ban on smoking in cars carrying kids.”

London is the latest Canadian jurisdiction to propose action on banning smoking in vehicles carrying children. The City has formed a committee to investigate such a ban.  In November 2007, the Town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, became the first Canadian municipality to ban smoking in cars carrying children.  Private member’s bills calling for province-wide bans are currently before the Nova Scotia and British Columbia legislatures.  York Regional Council passed a resolution asking the Government of Ontario to ban smoking in cars carrying children. 

The 2004 OMA report entitled “Exposure to second-hand smoke: are we protecting our kids?” highlights the fact that levels of second-hand smoke (SHS) in vehicles can be 23 times more toxic than in a house because circulation is restricted within a small space.  Children exposed to SHS are at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses including asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as sudden infant death syndrome and increased incidences of cancer and heart disease in adulthood.

“Children deserve protection from elements that can harm their health and development,” said Dr. Willett. “Other jurisdictions are proving such a ban is possible; it’s time for our province to lead the way by becoming the first province to ban smoking in cars carrying kids for the sake of their health.”

For more information on the OMA report “Exposure to second-hand smoke: Are we protecting our kids?” please visit our website at www.oma.org.

For more information please contact OMA Media Relations at (416) 340-2862 or toll free at 1-800-268-7215.

For more information please call OMA Media Relations at (416) 340-2862 or 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2862.