Health Information A-Z   >  Smoking and Tobacco

Smoke-free Homes and Vehicles

Smoking in Motor Vehicles Legislation
As of January 21, 2009 it is against the law for any person - driver or passenger to smoke in a vehicle where there are passengers under the age of 16 years. The person holding the lighted tobacco would be subject to a fine up to $250. The law will apply to both moving and stationary vehicles and will apply to motor vehicles regardless of whether any window, sunroof, door or other feature is open.

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, and smoking in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times more concentrated than in a smoker's home, because the area is enclosed and smaller.

For more information on the new law visit:
http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/smoke_free/smoking_in_cars/default.asp

What is Second-Hand Smoke?
Second-hand smoke is the smoke a smoker blows into the air and the smoke that drifts into the air from the end of a burning cigarette. Second-hand smoke contains over 4000 chemicals with over 50 of these chemicals known to cause cancer. Here are some examples of a few of the chemicals found in second-hand smoke: carbon monoxide, lead, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and arsenic.

The only way to avoid the dangers of second-hand smoke is to make your homes and vehicles 100% smoke-free.

Second-hand smoke is more harmful to children because their lungs are smaller and they breathe more rapidly.

Children who breathe in second-hand smoke are more likely to have:

• colds, ear and throat infections


• a greater risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia


• a greater chance of getting asthma


• children with asthma will have more asthma attacks and the attacks will be more severe


• babies have a greater chance of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)


• behaviour issues with lower attention and comprehension.

• Make your home and car 100% smoke-free.


• If you smoke, QUIT. If you are finding it hard to quit - try to smoke outside your home or car.

• Post a smoke-free car decal on your window to let people know your vehicle is smoke-free


• Offer to stop for cigarette breaks if any of your passengers smoke.


• If you smoke, keep a warm jacket and umbrella in the car for times when it is cold and raining


• If you are going on a long trip, schedule stops for cigarette breaks, or time your cigarette breaks with stops for meals or gas


• Replace smoking with an alternative such as drinking water, chewing gum or singing along with music


• If you are traveling with children, stop and turn off the car, step outside, and stand where you have a clear view of them


• Opening a window or smoking in a vehicle when you are alone presents serious health risks to you and your passengers. The best solution is a smoke-free vehicle.


• Thank everyone for respecting your smoke-free vehicle.

• Sit down with everyone living in your home and talk about ways to make your home smoke-free.

• Remove all ashtrays from your home.


• Make an outdoor smoking area.


• Display a "smoke-free home" decal on your door.

• When asking a smoker to take it outside, be polite but firm.


• Thank everyone for respecting your smoke-free home.

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