ASH Ireland again calls for ban on smoking in cars transporting children under 16 years of age

Date: 31 May 2011

ASH Ireland today renewed its campaign to have smoking banned in cars transporting children under 16 years of age. ASH Ireland also confirmed that its representatives recently discussed this matter with Minister for Health and Children Dr James Reilly and received a very positive response. ASH Ireland now believes that it would be appropriate for the Minister to announce a decision on this important health initiative today (Tuesday, 31st May), World No Tobacco Day.

Dr Brian Maurer, Chairman of ASH Ireland said today, “we urge the Minister to make a decision and an announcement on banning smoking in cars transporting children under 16. We have submitted a paper to the Minister which clearly outlines the most serious health issues which emerge for children who inhale environmental tobacco smoke in such an enclosed space. In 2006, the American Academy of Paediatrics stated that ‘second-hand smoke exposure is a substantial problem that causes increased rates of pneumonia, otitis media, asthma, and other short and long-term paediatric conditions’. Dr Maurer went on to say, “there is further definitive research available in Ireland, the USA, Canada and Australia which shows that passive smoke is particularly harmful to children, as they have much higher respiratory rates and metabolism than adults.”

ASH Ireland can also confirm that in a 2008 ASH Ireland MRBI poll, 78% of Irish people supported a ban on smoking in cars transporting children. There are numerous scientific studies which show that passive smoke contains many dangerous chemicals and the WHO has decreed that it is a cancer causing carcinogen.

Currently legislation banning smoking in cars carrying children has been introduced in many different countries and many other countries are planning to introduce the required legislation. 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 proposed initiative to protect children’s health while travelling in motor vehicles would be widely welcomed – who could argue with it?

Note to Editors: The ASH Ireland Position Paper on Banning Smoking in Cars Transporting Children of May 2011 can be found on the ASH website, www.ash.ie. 

Contact: ASH Ireland, 01-6599451
Young Communications: 087-2471520