It was almost ten years ago today that significant changes swept across communities in Ontario. On June 1, 2006, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act officially became law and changed our society dramatically. Effective on that day, smoking was no longer permitted in indoor public places and slowly over the past ten years has protected us in even more places where we work and play. Just think for a moment of all the places you and your children don’t have to be exposed to dangerous second hand smoke. Most people can recall the obvious settings such as restaurants, bars, taxis and workplaces. But did you know that the Smoke-Free Ontario Act has been amended over the years to add other locations such as patios, playgrounds, sporting fields and spectator areas? Or that in 2009 smoking was no longer permitted in cars where kids under 16 were passengers?

As we study the health and economic impact of creating these health policy changes there are several factors the experts can agree on:

• Smoke-free laws create healthier environments that protect the public from a known dangerous substance, especially are most vulnerable citizens.
• Smoke-free environments are more supportive to those who want to quit using tobacco.
• Being exposed to less smoking in public places has resulted in less young people starting to smoke.

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is very proud to celebrate this year’s World No Tobacco Day and the anniversary of such a significant health milestone. If you are interested in quitting smoking this World No Tobacco Day please contact us at 519-352-7270 for more information as there are many great quit smoking support options available here in Chatham-Kent.