Keep your vehicle smoke free

Second and third-hand smoke has awful health effects. It is estimated that over 1,000 non-tobacco users die in Canada each year from tobacco-related illness.

In 2014, the Alberta government made amendments to the Tobacco Reduction Act to include legislation that prohibits tobacco use in vehicles with children present under the age of 18. This legislation helps reduce a child’s exposure to tobacco, therefore promoting health.

Children are more susceptible to the adverse affects of inhaling second hand smoke as their lungs and respiratory system have not fully developed. Respiratory illnesses and diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis as well as cancers, and even sudden infant death are more prevalent in children consistently exposed to second hand smoke. Also, being regularly exposed to second hand smoke can increase the chance of developing nicotine addiction in the future.

For children in the confined space of a vehicle, the amount of second hand smoke they are inhaling increases dramatically – sometimes more than in the smokiest bars and lounges before smoking bans. In a home where parents each smoke a half pack of cigarettes, a child is exposed to as many as 7,000 cigarettes over the course of a year.

Smoking in the vehicle while the child is not present can still be dangerous to the child’s health. Third-hand smoke also poses a risk. Thirdhand smoke is the residue of the tobacco smoke that lingers in clothing, furniture, and car upholstery after a cigarette has been smoked and has been linked to cancer. Children are more susceptible to third-hand smoke as they crawl, play, and touch surfaces that have tobacco-smoke residue. A child car seat or any toys should be removed from the vehicle and cleaned regularly to prevent thirdhand smoke exposure.

The best way to protect your children and yourself from second-hand and thirdhand smoke is to create tobacco free environments in your home and vehicle. Let visitors or passengers who use tobacco know that your home or vehicle is tobacco free. Try to remove things like ashtrays or other triggers that may make you want to smoke. Also completely clean the home and vehicle. Clean carpets and seats thoroughly and wash windows and other hard surfaces.

If you are interested in quitting or reducing tobacco, there are many resources available to you. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what nicotine replacement therapy or medication is best for you. There is also information available at www. AlbertaQuits.ca that will help you make an informed decision.

Tobacco addiction counselling is available from a variety of AHS resources. Tobacco reduction counsellors are available in sites across the North Zone. They will offer one-on-one and group counselling options. If one is not available in your community, tobacco cessation counselling is also available by phone on the Alberta Quits hotline 1-866-710-QUIT(7848).

You can also sign up for web-based support at www. AlbertaQuits.ca and join an online community of former smokers or those wanting to quit.