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Ontario's Children Can Breathe Easier

March 2008

Earlier this year, the Ontario Lung Association delivered a public message applauding Premier Dalton McGuinty for his swift response to Bill 11, proposed by MPP David Orazietti last December that would see a ban to smoking in cars where there are children under the age of 16 present.

“The Lung Association is pleased with the leadership that Premier McGuinty’s government has shown with today’s announcement indicating the Bill will be introduced this spring,” says George Habib, president & CEO of The Ontario Lung Association. “Protecting Ontario’s children against the short and long-term damage of second-hand smoke exposure in cars is a very positive move that will yield lifelong benefits for this next generation.”

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 dangerous toxins, chemicals and carcinogens, which is more potent in restricted spaces, such as vehicles. Children are more susceptible to the dangers of second-hand smoke for a number of reasons: they breathe in more air relative to their body weight; their immune systems are immature, their lung function is actively developing and, importantly, they are powerless to complain or to leave a smoke-polluted environment. We know that children who are exposed to second-hand smoke have a greater risk of developing asthma, wheezing and ear infections.

About 20 per cent of Ontario children have asthma. The Ontario Lung Association offers support to people with asthma through its Asthma Action™ Helpline 1-800-668-7682. Those interested in learning about ways in which to quit smoking can visitwww.on.lung.ca or call the Get on Track program at 1-888-566-5864.

The Lung Association is one of Canada's oldest voluntary, not-for-profit health-promotion organizations. The Lung Association is concerned with the prevention and control of asthma, chronic lung disease caused by smoking and with air quality and its effect on lung health. The Ontario Lung Association was incorporated in 1945, and has community offices across the province.

Visit the Ontario Lung Association online at www.on.lung.ca or call 1-800-972-2636 for more information.

"When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters."

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