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There is NO safe level of second-hand smoke... even outdoors
On a restaurant patio, near a doorway where smokers are congregating, or at a packed outdoor concert, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) outdoors can be as dangerous as it is indoors. At the beach or in the park, even if only one or two people are smoking within about 7 metres (23 feet), it can still be harmful, especially to people with heart disease, cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other breathing problems, as well as to children and the elderly. SHS has over 4000 chemicals, of which 69 are known to cause cancer
- The toxic level outside can be as high as in a smoke-filled room
- SHS can cause many types of cancer, respiratory illnesses and heart disease
- Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer from coughing and wheezing, sore eyes and throat, and asthma attacks, but adults do, too
- Second-hand smoke kills more than 1,000 Canadians every year.
- Cigarette butts are toxic and non-biodegradable, so contaminate sandboxes, beaches and waterways
Ottawa now lags far behind a growing list of Canadian cities that prohibit smoking on patios (e.g., Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, and Kingston, in addition to all of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Yukon), and in parks and/or playgrounds (e.g., Vancouver, Whistler, Calgary, Saskatoon, Toronto, Belleville, Barrie, Cornwall, Peterborough, Thunder Bay and 16 other Ontario communities). We believe that Ottawa's citizens deserve the same level of protection from SHS. If you do too, take our poll and let us know what you think.
 Smoke-free outdoor spaces promote healthier lifestyles
Studies show that smoke-free spaces can dramatically reduce heart attack rates and respiratory illnesses. Smoke-free outdoor spaces can:
- Protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of SHS
- Help smokers quit or cut down if they want to
- Support former smokers in remaining smoke-free
- Protect children from starting to smoke since smoking is no longer seen to be the "norm"
- Reduce litter
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