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By Don Patterson
Staff Reporter
An Okotoks town councillor wants drivers with young children in their vehicles to butt out.
Coun. Stephan Clark gave notice at council’s April 14 meeting he intends to introduce a motion calling to ban smoking in vehicles carrying children under the age of six.
He said he’s not trying to stop people from lighting up in their vehicles, however, he wants to protect those most vulnerable to cigarette smoke.
“I think the concept is right. I think it’s something that would benefit small children and infants,” said Clark. “We all know the damning affects of smoking. The science is pretty clear that second-hand smoke is not only an annoyance, but a serious health hazard.”
Council will consider a motion at its April 28 meeting that will likely call on administration to prepare a bylaw on the matter.
Clark’s proposal would apply for children under the age of six, or 18 kg or less. He chose children six and under, based on age requirements to have children placed in restraints.
“We know these are the most vulnerable people who don’t have a choice. You can’t roll down the window when you’re an infant,” he said.
According to the Ontario Medical Association, concentrations of cigarette smoke can be higher in vehicles than in other areas and with no ventilation, second-hand smoke can be up to 60 times higher than in a smoke-free home.
The association states that, for children, risks associated with second-hand smoke include respiratory illnesses, middle ear diseases and increased incidences of cancer and heart disease in adulthood.
The Town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia was the first community in Canada to ban smoking in vehicles with children inside them. The Province of Nova Scotia has since followed suit making the law province-wide. There are a number of cities and states in the U.S. where this type of regulation is in place.
If Okotoks passes the motion, Clark hopes other municipalities and, eventually, the provincial government will follow suit.
“It’s not something that’s totally new, but it’s something that’s gaining momentum,” he added. “It’s a really good idea to start with towns.”
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