Ban smoking in cars

Ban smoking in cars to give our tamariki the best chance to thrive

The Asthma Foundation supports Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia’s intention to make cars with young passengers smokefree as part of the Government’s goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025.

“Second-hand smoke in a car is 23 times more toxic than in a house, due to the enclosed space,” says Dr Tristram Ingham, medical adviser for the Asthma Foundation. “Smoke-exposed children have more respiratory and ear infections, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, and asthma. They also have more frequent medical visits, are hospitalised more frequently, and miss more schooldays.”

As a founding member of the Smokefree Coalition, the Foundation is behind the campaign for a Smokefree Aotearoa.  As well as causing 5,000 deaths each year, smoking has negative health effects for those with a respiratory condition including causing COPD and lung cancer.  Smoking is a major trigger of asthma for some people resulting in asthma being difficult to control and actually increasing the need for medication. 

“Our tamariki are entitled to thrive and be healthy; banning smoking in family cars is a step in the right direction,“ said Angela Francis, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media