It's illegal to smoke in all enclosed public places

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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With winter weather upon us, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit reminds everyone that the Smoke Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces. This includes work vehicles, bus shelters and parking garages. Smoking within 9 metres of hospital or long-term care facility entrances is also prohibited by the Act. The fine for smoking or holding lit tobacco in a prohibited place or area is $305. Between January 1 and November 30, 2007, Health Unit tobacco enforcement officers laid 52 charges for violations.

Tobacco enforcement officers work in the community to provide education, smoke-free signs and to ensure that workplaces and public places remain smoke-free. During 2007, they made more than 600 visits to schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, workplaces and restaurants. Most visits are routine inspections while others are done in response to complaints received at the Health Unit about possible violations of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

According to Health Canada, exposure to second-hand smoke causes more than 1,000 deaths per year in Canada. Second-hand smoke is the single largest source of indoor air pollution and contains a mixture of nearly 4,000 chemicals. More than 50 of these are known to cause cancer.

There is no safe amount of secondhand smoke. Even short periods of exposure can have negative health effects on those who already have heart problems or breathing difficulties. Smoke-free laws such as the Smoke-Free Ontario Act not only protect everyone from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke but also prompt more smokers to quit. The Health Unit has resources available to help smokers who are trying to quit.

For more information about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act , quitting smoking, or to register a complaint, contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s Tobacco Information Line at (705) 474-1400 ext. 3 or 1-800-563-2808.

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