Second-hand smoke hits children hardest, Statistics Canada says

One-third of non-smokers in Canada say they are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, raising concerns for young people who can't escape exposure.

People breathe in the fumes in public places, homes, workplaces and cars, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday.

Exposure was most common in Quebec and the Northwest Territories and least likely in British Columbia, the study's authors found.

Children aged 12 to 20 are most at risk, according to Claudio Perez, a senior analyst with the agency in Ottawa. He based the findings on results from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey.

"They seem to have the least options in terms of getting away from any unwanted exposure," said Perez. "Particularly since bylaws do not apply to smoking in the presence of children in private homes or vehicles."

Non-smoking Canadians are most commonly exposed at:

• Restaurants and bars – 20 per cent.
• Workplace – 10 per cent.
• Homes – 11 per cent.
• Cars – 11 per cent.

Research suggests children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at greater risk of developing asthma and cancer. Exposed babies are more susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome.

Smokers can go to another room or not smoke when a child is in the car, but these measures don't work, according to the Ontario Medical Association.

• FROM OCT. 14, 2004: Ban smoking in cars with children: Ontario doctors

Smoke filters through homes and lingers in cars. Banning smoking in homes or cars where there are children is the only solution, the OMA said.

"We know they're still getting toxic levels of exposure to second hand smoke and their airways are particularly vulnerable," said Dr. Ted Boadway of the association.

Although homes and cars may be the only sanctuary to smoke, these are the places where children are at highest risk of exposure.

Among 12-year-olds, 24 per cent are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes and 16 per cent in public places, the report said.