Press Release
“Are we there yet?”
With the launch of the Ontario Lung Association’s “Campaign for a Smoke-free Ride,” a program that urges parents not to smoke in their car when children are passengers, the ride will be so much better.
The campaign is intended to protect children by providing parents with the positive support they need to give their kids a smoke-free ride.
“We know that for many parents who smoke, it can be hard to resist lighting up in the car, even when their kids are with them,” said George Habib, president of the Ontario Lung Association.
“For this reason, we are pleased to be launching a campaign to give those who smoke the support and encouragement they need to give their kids a smoke-free ride.”
The Northwestern Health Unit is working closely with the Ontario Lung Association to broaden the reach of the campaign in local communities.
Taking a positive and educational approach, the association aims to connect with smokers across the region through newspaper and radio advertising, a toll-free information line (1-888-344-LUNG), and a dedicated website (www.smokefreeride.ca) people can access for information, tips, and support on how to have a smoke-free ride.
“This campaign is reaching out to parents and adults in the Northwestern Health Unit region to provide them with tips and encouragement to keep their rides smoke free,” said Jennifer McKibbon, tobacco strategy manager at the health unit.
“Even if your windows are open, you’re still putting the health of a child in jeopardy,” she warned. “Not smoking in the car when children are present is the only way to protect them from the dangers of second-hand smoke.”
“Children regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer lung damage and breathing problems, and have an increased risk of developing severe illnesses, such as asthma,” noted Dr. John Granton, chair, Ontario Thoracic Society.
“What’s really important for parents to know is that there is no safe way to smoke in a car with children,” he stressed. “In-car concentrations of second-hand smoke are up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home, making smoking in the car highly toxic to young, developing lungs.”
New Ontario legislation banning smoking in vehicles with children will come into effect on Jan. 21. Nova Scotia and British Columbia already have enacted similar legislation.
For more information about the “Campaign for a Smoke-free Ride,” visit www.smokefreeride.ca
