Smoke-Free Family encourages Quebeckers to take smoke outside

MONTREAL , Nov. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Smoke-Free Family program is launching the second phase of its Take Your Butt Outside campaign this week, encouraging Quebeckers to declare their homes and cars "smoke-free zones." When members of a household register for the program, whether or not they are smokers, they commit to eliminating tobacco smoke from their home and to making sure that guests respect their decision.

"Prohibiting tobacco use in the home and car is something everyone can do that can make a big difference for the health of our loved ones, particularly children, who are more at risk of developing health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and bronchiolitis when exposed to second-hand smoke," says Dr. Roxane Néron, consultant physician and campaign spokesperson. "Because they're smaller, children breathe more rapidly than adults and therefore inhale more of the harmful chemicals in second-hand smoke." And because exposure to tobacco smoke in the mother can affect the baby's development, pregnant women are encouraged to declare their living environment smoke-free.

Take Your Butt Outside is particularly important in Quebec , where 14% of children from 0 to 11 years of age are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke at home, a rate that is almost twice as high as in the rest of Canada (7.3%). It's an alarming statistic, particularly given that second-hand smoke has twice as much tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine, six times more formaldehyde and 40 times more ammonia than smoke inhaled directly by the smoker. The only real option for protecting those around you is to keep smoke outside!

Families who register on the PasDeBoucaneDansMaCabane.ca website have access to tips, practical tools and encouraging emails to guide and support them in their efforts. The site debunks certain myths - for instance, that smoking under the range hood or with car windows rolled down gets rid of second-hand smoke. As part of a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, professionals at 1-866-JARRÊTE (527-7383) are also available to answer the questions of participating families.

As an additional incentive, the "Smoke-Free Family 2009" will enjoy a breath of fresh air on a family trip to Orlando , Florida. To be eligible, families must register by December 31, 2009 .

About Smoke-Free Family

Smoke-Free Family supports participating families year-round in their efforts to make or keep their living environment smoke-free. An initiative of ACTI-MENU and the Prevention Division of the Montreal Heart Institute, the program is offered in partnership with a number of public and private organizations, including Quebec's ministry of health and social services (Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec), Quebec's public health boards (Directions de santé publique du Québec), Jean Coutu , Johnson & Johnson, the Coalition for the Acquisition of Sound Habits, the Canadian Cancer Society and Health Canada .

For further information: and Interviews: Audrey Filion, CASACOM, [phone] poste 223, [email protected]; Katia Robillard, CASACOM, [phone] poste 227, [email protected]; Source: Sébastien C. Fassier, Communication Manager, ACTI-MENU, [phone] ext. 273, [email protected]