Canada: Nova Scotia town votes unanimously to ban smoking in cars carrying children

The Canadian Cancer Society has applauded a small town in Nova Scotia which dismissed criticism that banning smoking in cars carrying children is too intrusive and instead cited the evolution of anti-smoking laws across the country.  

The town council of Wolfville voted in favour of the bylaw, the first of its kind in Canada.

Meg McCallum, a spokeswoman for the cancer agency, said the bylaw is part of a societal shift that began years ago when similar bans were placed on aeroplanes followed by workplaces, restaurants and bars across much of Canada.

"It's all about what's best for children and young people. This is part of evolving to a culture where being tobacco free is the norm," she said.

The law, expected to come into effect on June 1, 2008, will prohibit children under 18 from being exposed to secondhand smoke in a vehicle.

Wolfville Mayor, Bob Stead has insisted the law is not about hunting for people who are violating the bylaw,  but raising awareness.

"For the most part, it's a matter of bringing to people's attention the health risks that are associated with smoking in cars, particularly for children," he said.

First-time offenders can expect a warning, but a subsequent offence will result in a fine.

To ensure that motorists are aware of the law, signs will be posted at entry points into the community and tourist destinations.

The mayor said he hoped the bylaw will put pressure on other jurisdictions to follow suit.

McCallum said the bylaw will not only improve the health of children, but discourage them from picking up the habit themselves.

The concentration of secondhand smoke, which has been linked to asthma, sudden infant death syndrome and cancers, is higher in a vehicle than in a larger space such as a bar or restaurant, the cancer agency says.

"Children's respiratory systems are less developed and their respiratory rates are higher, so they're breathing quicker and taking in more of the toxins."

Source: The Star, 19 November 2007
Link: http://tinyurl.com/yqcq4w

Smoking accelerates men's hair loss: study

Researchers warned that while Asian men generally have less trouble with hereditary male hair loss, smoking cigarettes may erase this advantage.

The authors of the study, Lin-Hui Su and Tony Hsiu-Hsi Chen said, "Smoking may destroy hair follicles, interfere with the way blood and hormones are circulated in the scalp or increase the production of estrogen."

"Our study of 740 men in Taiwan with an average age of 65, found cigarette use played an important role in the development of moderate or severe hair loss."

The study, published in the November issue of the Archives of Dermatology, recommended that men showing early signs of hair loss should be advised about the role smoking can play to prevent further progression.

Source: Science Daily, 19 November 2007
Link: http://tinyurl.com/254hub

Naples bans smoking near pregnant women and children

A new law prohibiting smoking near pregnant women and children in the southern Italian city's public parks has taken effect.

Deputy Mayor Gennaro Nasti said, "We're not going to use a ruler to measure the distance between smokers and women or children. But it will be forbidden to smoke during open-air shows or under covered structures."

Nasti added, "Violators will have to pay fines of between 27.50 and 500 euros and the police will enforce the law."

Smoking in public buildings has been illegal throughout Italy since January 2005.

Source: AFP, 19 November 2007
Link: http://tinyurl.com/ytcgcv

Scotland: MSP argues for cigarette licences

An Member of Scottish Parliament is calling for the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to be licensed in the same way as alcohol.

Nationalist, Christine Grahame has launched a consultation on the issue, ahead of putting forward a member's bill to Holyrood.

If legislation is backed by the Scottish Parliament, it could see those who sell cigarettes to underage youngsters heavily fined or lose their licences.

The proposal has already won the backing of health campaigners.

Source: The Scotsman, 20 November 2007  
Link: http://tinyurl.com/22f369