“You smoke…they smoke”

From 1st January 2017, it will become illegal to smoke tobacco in private cars in the presence of children under 16 years of age. This measure is being taken in order to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Penalties will be issued by the Police and Wardens for drivers who are caught. An education campaign is currently ongoing in order to inform the public on the content of the new legislation and the dangers of second hand smoke.

In Malta smoking was already restricted in all enclosed public spaces in April 2004 and this new legislation will continue to build on the drive to protect the public from second hand smoke.

The health impact of being exposed to second hand smoke is well established. Second hand smoke contains at least 250 toxic chemicals, including more than 50 carcinogens.

Children exposed to second hand smoke are at greater risk of:

• Coughing and wheezing
• Chest infections
• Severe asthma
• Middle ear infections and glue ear
• Cot death (SIDS)
• Absence from school due to ill health

Children are still developing physically and are therefore more susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. They are a vulnerable group who cannot decide for themselves and are dependent on the actions of their parents and guardians.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Levels of tobacco smoke in cars can be particularly high. Tobacco within a car’s confined spaces are particularly dangerous because second hand smoke caused by smoking reach a toxic level quickly, even if one attempts to open the windows or operate the ventilation system. A single cigarette smoked in a stationary car with its windows closed can produce a level of second hand smoke11 times higher than the level found in an average bar where smoking is permitted.

In addition, the gaseous and particulate components of tobacco smoke are absorbed into the upholstery and other surfaces inside a car, and are then released back into the air over the course of many days, exposing passengers to toxins long after anyone actually smoked in the car.

As part of its remit to promote a smoke free society, the Health Promotion and Disease Directorate in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Department provides free one-to-one counselling services for persons who want to quit smoking. These sessions are available every Wednesday evening at Floriana and Mosta Health Centre. Smoking cessation programmes are also provided for employees at their place of work. This five week educational programme is delivered by trained health professionals who help employees to develop the skills to set a quit date and quit smoking within a supportive environment.

Resources used during the campaign:

• Backdrop & Roll Up

Quit today:

Consider quitting smoking – this will improve your health and that of your children.
For help on quitting: Phone us on Freephone 8007 3333
Visit our website: https://hpdp.gov.mt/
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