What adverse effects does second-hand smoke have?
Children are more vulnerable to exposure because their immune systems are less mature and their breathing rate is higher. If a child spends one hour in a smokey room, it’s the equivalent of a half a pack a day. In babies, second hand smoke exposure while in the womb can cause low birth weight. Exposure is also associated with sudden infant death syndrome Children are more prone to getting bronchitis and pneumonia as well as suffer recurrent ear infections. They’re also more likely to develop airborne and food allergies In adults, second hand smoke is linked to lung cancer, asthma, chronic lung conditions and heart attacks What is the B.C. government’s response to the Canadian Cancer Society? The Ministry of Health says it continues to take steps towards strengthening the tobacco act. British Columbia actually has the lowest smoking rate in the country. As of March 31st, expect more restrictions: • A ban on all indoor public and work places. • No advertisements or displays of tobacco at
