Smoking tobacco has generally fallen out of favour in society and become less popular than it used to be. As time progresses, it only seems as if the act of smoking itself becomes more and more stigmatized. Canadians continue to smoke, regardless of its harmful effects on themselves and the people around them, particularly children. Many younger children are involuntarily exposed to cigarette smoke and are vulnerable to health problems. Recently, Ontario legislature passed a new law that prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle in the presence of anyone under 16. Since Ontario is known to have the most strict anti-smoking laws, this may come as no surprise. It has been found that second hand smoke is much more concentrated in a vehicle than a smoker’s home. Some may argue that the law is limiting Canadian smokers’ rights and freedoms, which is a ridiculous notion. The anti-smoking legislation is necessary and does not infringe on smokers’ rights or freedoms.
Medical research has already determined that nicotine is a very addictive substance and that dependence on nicotine has even been considered a psychiatric disorder that requires medical treatment. The health effects of second hand smoke can be immediate or long term to anyone, let alone children, which is why the anti-smoking legislation is necessary. The Canadian government has been slowly inching towards anti-smoking laws. For banning smoking in vehicles in the presence of children, it is purely reasonable. As health studies progress, so do the findings that conclude and illustrate the damaging effects of second hand smoke exposure. Children that are “…exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Exposure to second-hand smoke among children has also been linked to lower cognitive test scores compared with