HEALTH CANADA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO MAKE THEIR HOMES SMOKE-FREE

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February 2, 2005 OTTAWA -- Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today launched a social marketing campaign aimed at getting parents to eliminate second-hand smoke in the home. The campaign consists of television advertisements and a booklet on how parents can make their home smoke-free. This campaign is in response to research that showed that almost 50 per cent of smoking parents still smoke in their home and car. The research also indicated that while parents are aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, there are many misconceptions about how to protect their children. Based on these results, Health Canada determined that a comprehensive campaign aimed at protecting children by eliminating second-hand smoke in the home was required. "Many parents are not fully informed about how they can protect their children from second-hand smoke," said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. "The only way to fully protect children is to completely eliminate smoking in the home. Make your home smoke-free - don't let your children be a target." Health Canada, working with the Canada Revenue Agency, will also create an insert, planned to be delivered with the March Child Tax Benefit mail-out. This insert will reach over one million homes and will inform parents about how they can minimize their children's exposure to second-hand smoke. Over one million children are exposed to second-hand smoke every day. Children regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are at least 50 per cent more likely to suffer damage to their lungs and breathing problems such as asthma, and have an increased risk of developing emphysema as an adult. Every year, more than 45,000 Canadians die from disease or illness caused by using tobacco and at least 1,000 are non-smokers. In 1998, 55 boys and 41 girls under the age of one died as a result of second-hand smoke. The primary mission of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy (FTCS) is to reduce disease and death among Canadians. It recognizes that the key to success is comprehensive, integrated and sustained action, carried out in collaboration with all partners and directed at Canadians of all ages. For information on how to make your home smoke-free or resources on how to quit smoking, go to www.GoSmokeFree.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800-622-6232). -30- Media Inquiries: Paul Duchesne Health Canada (613) 954-4807 Adèle Blanchard Office of the Minister of Health (613) 957-0200 Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991

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Date modified:: 2005-02-02

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HEALTH CANADA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO MAKE THEIR HOMES SMOKE-FREE

News Release

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