Second Hand Smoke

Second hand smoke is the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker as well as the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette. It contains more than 4,000 dangerous chemicals. More than 70 are known to cause cancer.

There is no safe level of second hand smoke. Exposure to second-hand-smoke can be dangerous in outside spaces like patios, the beaches, and parks.

How does second-hand smoke (SHS) affect Babies and Children?

Babies and children are especially at risk of the dangers of SHS. Their lungs are smaller and they breathe faster.

Babies exposed to SHS:

• Are at a greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Have weaker lungs than babies not exposed to SHS, which increases their risk for many health problems

Children exposed to SHS:

• Have more lung infections and other illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia
• Are more likely to have sore eyes, noses and throats
• Cough and wheeze more
• Have more ear infections, colds and throat infections

How do I protect my children from SHS?

Make your home and car smoke free

• Make it a rule to never smoke in your home or car. If you smoke- take it outside.
• Ask family and visitors not to smoke in your home or car.
• In Ontario, it is illegal to smoke in a car when children under the age of 16 years are present.

Make sure your daycare is smoke-free:

• Under the Smoke-free Ontario Act , all daycares- including private home daycares- are required to be smoke-free at all times. This applies to the whole premises, including the garage and outdoor areas.

For more information on the effects of second-hand smoke on babies and children visit the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information on the law visit Smoker Free Ontario. To review the laws in Ottawa, visit Ottawa Public Health.

For help quitting smoking, contact Smokers' Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or Ottawa Public Health.