Home  

New Evidence Shows Vehicles Most Dangerous Space for Second-Hand Smoke Levels

Children can be exposed to 60 times the concentration of second-hand smoke in cars than indoors

 

Toronto, February 15, 2008 – New research shows that the concentration of second-hand smoke (SHS) particles in a car can be up to 60 times higher than concentrations indoors, more than double previous findings. Ontario doctors believe this research and other recent findings on in-car smoke concentrations will aid the government in moving quickly to implement a provincial ban on smoking in vehicles when children are present.

“We now have new evidence showing the harmful levels of second-hand smoke in a car are even more potent than we once believed,” said Dr. Janice Willett, President of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). “These important findings should be heard by both caregivers who smoke and our lawmakers so that children can be protected.”

Since the release of the OMA policy paper, Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke: Are we protecting our kids? in 2004, new research has been undertaken resulting in even more compelling evidence about the concentrations of second-hand smoke in vehicles. As a result, the OMA is urging provincial leaders to review this new information and act immediately to protect the health of children.

Studies show that even under the best-case ventilation scenario, with windows open and the fan on high, SHS concentrations in a vehicle are far greater than any other children’s environment. Tests reveal that with no ventilation, which is typical of winter driving in Ontario, SHS particle levels can be up to 60 times higher than in a smoke-free home.

 “As doctors we have to diagnose and treat so many preventable illnesses and diseases due to second-hand smoke,” said Dr. Willett. “Our government has the power to protect children from a highly toxic environment and we hope they take action soon.”
 
Studies have also shown that within tobacco smoke there are a number of well known poisons including, carbon monoxide (CO), which can reach concentrations more than double Health Canada’s acceptable exposure range. There is also evidence that CO blood levels can rise more than four-fold in a non-smoker, when someone else in the car is smoking. 

For children, the risks associated with SHS include respiratory illnesses (asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia), middle ear disease, lower respiratory tract infections, as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and increased incidences of cancer and heart disease in adulthood.

In December 2007, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to pass legislation banning smoking in cars with children. Most recently, British Columbia announced that it will be introducing similar legislation.  This follows on the heals of a growing list of U.S. jurisdictions that have already implemented bans including California; Arkansas; Louisiana; Bangor, Maine; Keyport, New Jersey; and Rockland County. South Australia has also taken action to protect children from the dangers of SHS in vehicles.

“The provincial government has shown tremendous leadership in protecting the public and workers from second-hand smoke, now it is time that our political leaders work together to further protect the health of Ontario’s children,” said Dr. Willett. “In addition to protecting children, it is also necessary to ensure that those who smoke have access to the medications necessary to curb their tobacco cravings while driving with children, and ultimately quit altogether.”

 

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

 
 
Homepage | Site Map | Contacts | Privacy Policy | Media | About OMA | Calendar | FAQ
Copyright 2004-2005 OMA