Smoking in Cars Transporting Children

Date: 31 May 2011

ASH IRELAND
Updated Position Statement on
Banning Smoking in Cars Transporting Children Under 16
May 2011


1. Introduction

In January 2008 ASH Ireland launched a campaign to have smoking banned in cars transporting children under 16 years of age. The Department of Health has indicated publicly that they were “keeping this issue under review” but have not taken any steps to implement this health measure. ASH Ireland is now (May 2011) re-launching this campaign – as all sectors of Irish society and especially Government have a responsibility to protect our children’s health in every way possible. At a recent meeting with Minister James Reilly, ASH Ireland received a very positive response to this proposal.

2. Justification

The well-established research to justify the vital need to protect children from tobacco smoke in cars is well recognised and irrefutable. There is definitive research available in Ireland (RIFTS), USA, Canada and Australia on this issue. This research also shows that passive smoke is particularly harmful to children as they have much higher respiratory rates and metabolism than adults. A 2008 ASH Ireland MRBI Poll showed that 78% of Irish people supported a ban on smoking in cars with children.

3. Some key findings of national and international research and comments on the risks to children exposed to tobacco smoke in cars:

- “Homes and cars are the principal sources of children’s second-hand smoke (SHS). We recently reported that one in seven Irish children is exposed to SHS while travelling to school by car, which has significant negative respiratory health effects.” Second hand smoke exposure in cars and respiratory health effects in children/Tobacco Free Research Institute, Dublin, October 2009.

- Within one minute of lighting a cigarette in car sensors detected airborne toxins 30 times higher than the level the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States would advise people to stay indoors? (Stanford University).

- “It is well established that children raised in smoking households have increased risks of levels of asthma, ear and lung infections”, Dr Elizabeth Secord, Asthma specialist, Michigan, USA.

- “Passive smoke is harmful to children especially in the early stages of development”. Royal College of Physicians, London 2005.

- “Second-hand tobacco smoke exposure is a substantial problem that causes increased rates of pneumonia, otitis media, asthma, and other short and long term paediatric conditions”. American Academy of Paediatrics Centre for Child Health Research, September 2006.
- “Passive smoking impairs the child’s well-being.” American Academy of Paediatrics News, August 1987.

- Protect everyone from second-hand smoke”. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic.

- “Second-hand smoke is 23 times more toxic in a car than in a bus”. Ontario Medical Association 2004.

- “Tobacco smoke pollution which is easily inhaled deep into the lungs poses a serious health hazard for children and because of the cars small cabin space contributes to concentrated exposure”, Professor Geoffrey Fong, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y.

Scientific studies show that passive smoke contains many dangerous chemicals. There can be 4,000 different chemicals in tobacco smoke, including cancer-causing substances (carcinogens).


4. Worldwide Initiative

Currently legislation banning smoking in cars carrying children has been introduced in the following countries:

USA
States:  Arkansas, Louisiana, California, Maine, Bangor.
Municipalities:  Bangor in Maine, Keyport in New Jersey, Rockland County in New York, West Long Branch Borough in New Jersey, Monroe County in Indiana

Canada
Provinces/Territory:  Nova Scotia, Yukon Territory, Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

Municipalities:  Wolfville in Nova Scotia, Surrey in British Columbia, Okotoks in Alberta, White Rock in British Columbia, Richmond in British Columbia

Australia:  South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia

Other Countries:  Bahrain, Cyprus, Guam, Mauritius (total ban has been introduced), Puerto Rico, South Africa, United Arab Emirates


Countries planning to bring in legislation:  Finland, Italy, Israel, The Netherlands, Taiwan, United Kingdom

5. Legislation required

This is not a difficult matter to deal with in legislative terms – if a decision is taken to proceed. With a brief consultation period a workable and effective solution can be found, which will protect children.

The province of Ontario, Canada have introduced such a health measure and the two key statements emanating from their “act” are listed below.

1. “No person shall have lighted tobacco in a motor vehicle while another person who is less than 16 years old is present in the vehicle.”

2. “The driver will be fined $250 for each offence.” Smoke Free Ontario Act 2004.

6. Conclusion

The Irish Government has set the trend all around the world on tobacco health legislation and has received deserved recognition both at home and abroad. This initiative to protect children’s health, while travelling in motor vehicles would be widely welcomed – who could argue with it? We now ask the Government to proceed and legislate for this health initiative.