Smoking Ban for Ontario Drivers with Children

Government Bans Smoking in Cars While Anyone Under 16 is Present

Jan 28, 2009 Jennifer Berube

The Ontario Liberal government announced a new law on January 21, 2009 that prohibits anyone from smoking in a vehicle when travelling with children.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a ban aimed at protecting children from second-hand smoke at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Any driver or passenger caught smoking in a vehicle while a minor is present will be fined $250 for each offense.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

The government-backed private member’s bill passed in the legislature with support from all three parties. Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, S.O. 1994, c. 10, Section 9.2(1) states that no person shall have tobacco or have lighted tobacco in a motor vehicle while another person who is less than 16 years old is present in the vehicle.

New Smoking Ban Coincides with Weedless Wednesday

For the past 30 years Canadians have been taking part in the week long celebration of National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW). The focal point of the week is known as Weedless Wednesday and this year that day happened to fall on January 21, the day the new smoking ban was implemented.

Hosted by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control, NNSW strives to educate the public about the dangers of smoking, prevent people from starting to smoke and help smokers quit.

Ontario Bans Smoking in Restaurants and Bars

In 2006, the Ontario government passed the law that prohibits smoking in public places, such as restaurants and bars.

In 2007, the federal government amended the Non-Smokers' Health Regulations by banning smoking rooms in federally regulated workplaces.

The new ban will provide an additional level of protection to youth.

Second-hand Smoke Kills

Every year, more than 300 Ontarians die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

According to Health Canada, second-hand smoke is "a combination of poisonous gases, liquids, and breathable particles." It contains over 4,000 chemicals, more than 50 of which are associated with or known to cause cancer.

In a vehicle, kids are exposed to up to 27 times more toxins than in a smoker's home. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more at risk of sudden infant death syndrome and health problems such as ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses.

The Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion states smoking in a car is even a risk on short trips and when the windows are rolled down. As Health Canada notes, the increasing ventilation will dilute the smoke but will not make it safe.

"One hour of second hand smoke in a car is the same as giving kids an entire pack of cigarettes," McGuinty said in a statement.

Later on in life, children exposed to second-hand smoke are also more likely to suffer from heart disease, lung cancer and nasal sinus cancer.

Other Provinces and U.S. States to Ban Smoking in Cars with Children

In April 2008, Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to ban smoking in vehicles when anyone under 19 is present. The fine is $394.50.

British Columbia has also passed a law banning smoking in cars carrying children under 16. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are considering similar bans.

U.S. states California, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Maine have passed laws outlawing smoking in cars with children. Washington is also considering a ban.

The copyright of the article Smoking Ban for Ontario Drivers with Children in Health Field is owned by Jennifer Berube. Permission to republish Smoking Ban for Ontario Drivers with Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Jan 28, 2009 7:49 PM
Guest :
I'm afraid that the proposal to ban smoking in cars occupied by children represents an
unwarranted intrusion into the privacy and autonomy of parenthood. The autonomy to
make one's own decision about risks to subject a child to is not to be interfered with lightly.
It should only be done in cases where there is a substantial threat of severe harm
to the child. Interfering with parental autonomy in a case where there is only minor
risk involved is unwarranted.
Jan 29, 2009 7:32 PM
Guest :
yes its about time. IF you want to make youself sick and die from smoking then go ahead but don't subject anyone else to it, even your own kids. When they get older then they can make the decision on what they want to do.
Jul 3, 2009 12:04 AM
Guest :
I agree this can be seen as an intrusion into one’s privacy, but if a parent decides to smoke in the presence of their child, then it should be question. Especially with all of the knowledge available about the dangers of second hand smoke. Yet, still decide to light a cigarette while children are there, their parenthood should be considered. Also, there is no safe level of second hand smoke and children are at more risk of health problems. I think this is good idea and if people wish to smoke, then do it. Just not in children’s presence.
Nov 2, 2009 10:09 AM
Guest :
Yes, i think that paretns should have to respect and not smoke infront of their children knowing what the results could be if children inhale second hand smoke. i also think that this law is a good and resonalbe idea to have becasue most people already dont smoke in their vehicles do to their own decistions., and now that the law is come up I think that more people are happy and have realized what could happen and not only that but what the deal is if you do smoke in vehicles.
4 Comments