Doctors Urge: Ban smoking in cars with kids

Canadian Medical Association says move would protect young lungs from harm

By: Janet Steffenhagen
Vancouver Sun

Canada’s doctors are calling for a country-wide ban on smoking in all vehicles carrying children – including private cars – to protect young lungs from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The recommendation won resounding support Wednesday at the Canadian Medical Association’s annual general meeting in Vancouver, where delegates also called for government efforts to reduce the amount of salt in processed food and regulate the contents of energy drinks.

The risk of secondhand smoke is quit clear to everyone in this room, Dr. Atul Kapur of ottawa said in making the motion.

They don’t have a choice about whether to be exposed or not and because of the concentrated atmosphere and the enclosed space, the risk is much higher.