GP Keep cigarettes away from kids in cars

Children exposed to smoke in cars are more vulnerable due to their young immune systems, a Masterton GP warns.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia revealed last week a ban on smoking in cars with children is under consideration.

The practice has been illegal in Queensland for nearly two years. Drivers in the state are slapped with an A$200 ($252.60) fine if they are caught smoking with children under 16 years in their vehicle.

Every week, 143,200 people are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars, according to the 2009 New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey.

In addition, at least 127,700 children aged under 14 are exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes.

"The dangers for children are due to the direct toxic effects of smoke...and nicotine - a psychoactive and immune-suppressive drug," Dr Rob Maunsell of Masterton Medical said.

Anyone caught under such a scheme should also receive further help for addiction, he said.

"I think flagging smoking with children in cars as an offence would be useful but whether to make it liable for prosecution with a fine is another issue.

"Requiring people to attend smoke cessation programmes would be more effective," Dr Maunsell said.

Mrs Turia said a proposed ban was about "ensuring that our tamariki are not exposed to second-hand smoke".

"It is a policy that we have seen implemented in Queensland Australia, and I have asked my officials to look into this and how this may work here in New Zealand."

A Parliamentary bill increasing the price of cigarettes to more than $20 a pack over the next four years was passed earlier last week. The legislation will raise tobacco excise tax by 10 per cent each year from 2013 to 2016.

The tax hikes are part of a raft of measures designed to make New Zealand smoke-free by 2025.

In July, tobacco displays in retail outlets were banned and proposals for plain packaging of tobacco products are being considered by the Government.

"If we want to save lives we need to look seriously at all the options and that is what we are doing," Mrs Turia said.

Plunket said any exposure to smoke was harmful for children.

"Second-hand smoke makes children sick. It flattens the little brushes that sweep and clean their airways," clinical adviser Allison Jamieson said. "Because children breathe faster than adults and have smaller bodies, they take in a higher dose of smoke than adults. In confined spaces, such as cars, they are unable to move away from smoke and are trapped with its poisons," Ms Jamieson said.

Michael Coulhoun of Action on Smoking and Health said children were most vulnerable to the effects of smoking. "Unlike the restaurant and bars which had a high level of smoking and that's now been corrected, there's still an impact in cars. We think it will reduce the harm on smoking and...the emphasis should be on young children ... under a certain age - certainly under 16." - APNZ

High Risk

Children exposed to second hand smoke are at increased risk of:

- Premature death

- Sudden unexpected death in infancy (cot death)

- Chest infections

- Ear problems

- More severe asthma