There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing heart disease, cancer and premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand premature death in nonsmoking adults, secondhand smoke also causes sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and ear infections in infants. Concentrations can be especially high in cars. This update reviews current bans under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and concludes that protection from secondhand smoke in Ontario is comparable to that of other Canadian jurisdictions, except for those with a complete ban on smoking on open patios. Protection from secondhand smoke in various international jurisdictions is also reviewed. The World Health Organization says only 5% of the world’s population is adequately protected.
Related publications:
- Tobacco Taxes – 2009 Monitoring Update
- Prohibition of Tobacco Sales In Specific Places – 2009 Monitoring Update
- Retail Display of Tobacco Products – 2009 Monitoring Update
- Youth Access to Tobacco Products – 2009 Monitoring Update
- Tobacco Control Funding Commitments – 2009 Monitoring Update
- 14th/15th Annual Monitoring Report: Indicators of Smoke-Free Ontario Progress
Date: September 2009
Type of Publication: Monitoring Update
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