Re: “Smoking zones won’t work, expert says,” April 20.
Congratulations to the Capital Regional District board for establishing a bylaw that will strengthen protections against exposure to outdoor second-hand tobacco smoke. The evidence has shown that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, especially for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, heart disease and respiratory problems.
Some naysayers suggest that increasing smoking restrictions around entranceways to seven metres, and banning tobacco use in parks, beaches and playgrounds is an undue restriction on people who smoke. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most smokers want to quit because of health concerns, cost and embarrassment, but often need extra incentives to overcome the chains of their addiction. The evidence shows that people smoke fewer cigarettes and make more quit attempts when restrictions are in place. Each quit attempt may lead to an actual quit and restrictions help make that happen.
In 1999, the CRD was the first Canadian jurisdiction to establish a smoke-free indoor public places ban, and history has shown that it was the right thing to do. Now, it is time for the CRD to step up and make outdoor places smoke-free. Moreover, they might want to include herbal cigarettes, water pipes and e-cigarettes in the ban at the same time.
Jack Boomer
Director, Clean Air Coalition of B.C.
