A new law prohibiting Ontarians from smoking in motor vehicles with passengers under 16 came into effect on January 21, 2009.

Under the law, a driver or passenger smoking in a motor vehicle, while someone else under the age of 16 is present, is committing an offence, and can be fined up to $250.

Second-hand smoke in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times more concentrated than in a smoker’s home.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma.

Second-hand smoke can also influence a child's ability to reason and understand, and can negatively impact behaviour and attention span.