Benefits of a Smoke-Free Outdoor Bylaw
There is NO safe level of second-hand smoke…even outdoors!
Studies show that toxic levels of second-hand smoke outside can be as high as in a smoke-filled room. Even brief exposures to second-hand smoke pose a serious health risk. The City of Ottawa's smoke-free outdoor bylaw will:
Promote a healthier lifestyle:
Protect hospitality workers and the public:
De-normalize smoking:
Protect the environment:
REFERENCES:
[1] Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group. Building On Our Gains, Taking Action Now: Ontario's Tobacco Control Strategy for 2011-2016. October 18, 2010. http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/smoke-free/TSAG%20Report.pdf
Studies show that toxic levels of second-hand smoke outside can be as high as in a smoke-filled room. Even brief exposures to second-hand smoke pose a serious health risk. The City of Ottawa's smoke-free outdoor bylaw will:
Promote a healthier lifestyle:
- Dramatically reduce heart attack rates and respiratory illnesses.
- Help smokers quit or cut down if they want to.
- Support former smokers in remaining smoke-free.
Protect hospitality workers and the public:
- Second-hand smoke kills more than 1,000 Canadians every year.
- In adults, second-hand smoke can cause many types of cancer, heart disease, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and irritation of the eyes and nose.
- Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of asthma attacks, lung infections, ear infections, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. It kills 13,000 Ontario residents annually and costs the health care system an estimated $1.6 billion each year.[1]
De-normalize smoking:
- Protect children from starting to smoke since smoking is no longer seen as socially acceptable behaviour.
Protect the environment:
- Cigarette butt litter is toxic and non-biodegradable. Butt litter contaminates sandboxes, beaches and waterways. It can also harm wildlife.
- Listen to our interview on CBC Radio about the health, environmental and economic costs of butt litter on Ottawa's streets.
REFERENCES:
[1] Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group. Building On Our Gains, Taking Action Now: Ontario's Tobacco Control Strategy for 2011-2016. October 18, 2010. http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/smoke-free/TSAG%20Report.pdf
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