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Smoke-free Homes and Cars

A Home is Smoke-free when...

  • Smoking is NOT allowed inside any room of a house – at any time.

A Car is Smoke-free when...

  • Smoking is NOT allowed inside a car at any time.

Smoking with Children in the Car

  • Since January 21, 2009 smoking inside a vehicle with a child under the age of 16 has been against the law.
  • It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is parked or moving, or whether a door, window or sunroof is open.
  • Both drivers and passengers could be charged for smoking while someone under sixteen years old is present in the vehicle.

Why is this important?

  • Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke (SHS)
  • SHS can reach very high levels in vehicles because of the small enclosed space 5
  • Opening a window or using a fan doesn’t stop you from being exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS). 7
  • Children are not able to control their exposure to SHS.
  • It is important that parents, care givers and child care providers protect them from exposure to SHS.

  • Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion or Campaign for a Smoke-Free Ride for more information.

Smoke-free Homes and Cars Make a Difference

Making your home or car 100% smoke-free is the only way to reduce the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

  • Second-hand smoke spreads to every room of a house – even when the doors are closed and windows are open. 4
  • Air cleaning systems can’t remove all the small particles and gases in second-hand smoke. 7
  • Multi-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings can actually send second-hand smoke through shared ventilation systems into neighbouring units, making a smoke-free home even harder to manage. 4

How to Make a Home or Car Smoke-free

Talk and show support, but stand firm

  • Tell your family and friends your reasons for having a smoke-free home or car.
  • If a friend or family member opposes your decision, be supportive but firm in your commitment to protect yourself, your family and your guests from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. 4
  • Celebrate your decision to protect loved ones from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. 4

Make the commitment — and keep it!

  • Accept that creating a smoke-free home or car will take some effort and self-discipline.
  • Remove all ashtrays from a home.
  • Fill car ashtrays with gum or coins.
  • Set up smoking area outdoors and far away from doors and windows. 3
  • Set a day for going smoke-free and don’t let anyone smoke in your home or car after this date.

Find ways to make the switch to a smoke-free home or car easier.4

  • Take children outside for a walk while you smoke 4
  • Finish your cigarette outside before getting into your car.
  • Tell your visitors that smoking is not allowed inside your home or car by displaying “smoke-free” decals or signs on widows or doors

Other benefits of a smoke-free home and car

  • The air will smell fresher and cleaner. 4
  • Smoke-free homes have a lower risk of fires. 4

More about Smoking and Smoke-free Spaces

  • Call us at 905-799-7700 (toll-free from Caledon at 905-584-2216) for more information about the health effects of smoking, second-hand smoke and how to create smoke-free spaces.

Free Help to Quit Smoking

  • Ready to quit smoking? We offer free support and counselling.
  • Call us at 905-799-7700 for more information or to book an appointment
  • Or read more about the Peel Health Quit Smoking Program

References

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