Momentum is building to get people to butt out for another reason. Second-hand smoke. If you think it's not deadly, you're wrong. More than 140 British Columbians die as a direct result from second hand smoke each year. Compelling evidence shows second hand smoke is as bad as smoking itself. More than four thousand chemicals make up the haze of second hand smoke, some of which are cancer causing. It contributes to heart and lung disease including bronchitis and asthma.

British Columbia has taken significant strides to protect non-smokers in public places, but the Canadian Cancer Society says our province falls behind Alberta and Nova Scotia.

Kathryn Seely from the Canadian Cancer Society says, "If the B.C. government bans smoking in outdoor places such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, and those other outdoor places, as well, ban candy-flavoured cigarettes, raised income taxes and the other things such as banning smoking on patios, smoking in cars with children, and banning sales of cigarettes in pharmacies, then British Columbia would have one of the best legislations in Canada."

Still there is no risk free level of exposure to second hand smoke. Breathing it in, even for a short time does damage, especially to children.

What adverse effects does second-hand smoke have?

Children are more vulnerable to exposure because their immune systems are less mature and their breathing rate is higher. If a child spends one hour in a smokey room, it's the equivalent of a half a pack a day.

In babies, second hand smoke exposure while in the womb can cause low birth weight. Exposure is also associated with sudden infant death syndrome

Children are more prone to getting bronchitis and pneumonia as well as suffer recurrent ear infections. They're also more likely to develop airborne and food allergies

In adults, second hand smoke is linked to lung cancer, asthma, chronic lung conditions and heart attacks

What is the B.C. government's response to the Canadian Cancer Society?

The Ministry of Health says it continues to take steps towards strengthening the tobacco act. British Columbia actually has the lowest smoking rate in the country.

As of March 31st, expect more restrictions:

  • A ban on all indoor public and work places.
  • No advertisements or displays of tobacco at places were youths visit--including pharmacies.
  • A buffer zone of three metres around doorways and air intakes.

As for banning smoking in vehicles with children, the Ministry of Health is looking into it. According to a public opinion poll to the society, 85 per cent of British Columbians are in favour of a ban.