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BC Lung Association Back on the Attack to Protect Kids
Vancouver, BC - May 26, 2006 - Wednesday, May 31, marks World No Tobacco Day, and the BC Lung Association is taking this opportunity to urge parents to protect their children from exposure to deadly second-hand smoke and set healthy examples.
"Smoking parents are gifting their children long term ill-health," says Veda Peters, Tobacco Education spokesperson for the BC Lung Association.
"Children are twice as likely to smoke if their parents smoke. Two out of three smokers today smoked their first cigarette by age 15, but if a child reaches age 18 without becoming a smoker, his or her odds of remaining smoke-free are around 90 percent," continued Peters.
Carbon monoxide (found in car exhaust), arsenic (rat poison), ammonia (found in window cleaner) and butane (lighter fluid) are but four of some 4,000 toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
"Parents want their children to grow up happy and healthy. Many go to great lengths to childproof their homes with safety locks and electrical outlets covers and keep dangerous household supplies and drugs out of reach. It follows that parents can take equal measures to protect their children from exposure to cigarette smoke".
However 85 percent of adults who smoke and live with a child, neglect to protect their child from second-hand smoke exposure, despite statistics confirming tobacco smoke exposure puts children at an especially high risk of health problems as well as setting a bad example. Compounding the effect is often a mix of toxic household cleaning products emitting even more toxic substances to their young lungs."
Half of all Canadian children under 15 years of age are exposed to second-hand smoke's deadly effects on a regular basis.
"Two thirds of the smoke from a cigarette enters the air around the smoker and contains twice as much nicotine and tar as the smoke inhaled by the smoker," says Peters. "The toxic chemicals in smoke stick around long after the smoker has put out their cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Smoke gets trapped in hair, skin, walls, fabric, carpet, furniture, and toys. You can't get rid of smoke by sitting near a window, turning on a fan or air purifier."
Second-hand smoke is particularly lethal for young children who breathe faster; whose lungs are smaller; immune system is less protective; who absorb more toxins and are less able to control their environment. Despite the facts however, many parents continue unaware of just how serious it is.
The BC Lung Association works to educate parents and youth on the dangers of tobacco and second-hand smoke, advocates for stronger legislation on second-hand smoke, and offers support to people who want to quit smoking through its website at www.quitnow.ca. To learn more contact the BC Lung Association at info@bc.lung.ca or call 604.731.5864 or toll free 1.800.665.5864 (outside the lower mainland).
About the BC Lung Association
The BC Lung Association, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is dedicated to improving lung health across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The BC Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.
For more information please contact:
Veda Peters
Tobacco Education Coordinator, BC Lung Association
T 604-731-5864 x231 or 1-800-665-5864
peters@bc.lung.ca
Katrina van Bylandt,
Media Relations, BC Lung Association
T 604-731-5864 x237 or 1-800-665-5864
vanbylandt@bc.lung.ca