Connecticut to consider smoking ban in cars with kids

[Redfairen]

Should Connecticut ban smoking in cars that contain small children? That's the question state lawmakers will take up later this week in the powerful Transportation Committee.

Now, state lawmakers are considering adding a ban on smoking in all vehicles containing children in car seats.

State Representative Henry Genga of East Hartford has been pushing for this since 2008 and says the overwhelming medical research favors it.

"Until they're age 7, their immunity systems are not mature," he said. "So they require a lot more air than you and I would, multiple times more."

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/politics&id=8998267

[Ian David]

1. I wish they'd had this when I was a kid. n/t

[queenjane]

3. Me, too. Everyone in my family smoked

I was sick ALL the time! Even now, I worry about damage to my lungs.

[Auggie]

2. If legislators really feel that way, just ban smoking PERIOD.

I hate smoking, but this is absurd.

[leftyohiolib]

4. the should be arrested for child endagerment/abuse

[WI_DEM]

5. Good!!

[healthnut7]

6. Great Idea!

This is what has happened where I live...

Alberta banned smoking in public spaces and workplaces, including within 5 metres of doors, windows, and intakes, on 1 January 2008.[1] A "shower curtain" (or "powerwall&quot law requiring shop owners to keep tobacco sales out of sight was implemented 1 July 2008.[2] As of 1 January 2009, cigarette sales in Alberta have been banned in all stores containing a pharmacy as well as post-secondary institutions.[3] It is an offence for a minor to possess or consume tobacco products;
(Stores have to have a separate room where there is an outside entrance for the sale of cigarettes and you need ID if they think you are underage same as a bar)

violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,000,000. Anyone seen providing tobacco to a minor by anyone at anytime is subject to penalties as severe as life in prison.[4]

The Canadian Cancer Society believes that banning smoking in vehicles carrying children under the age of 18 will help protect children and youth from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.

While overall exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in public places is decreasing, children are still at risk in private homes and vehicles. In 2012, the Alberta government passed Bill 203, which amends the Tobacco Reduction Act to include a ban on smoking in vehicles when minors are present.

[SpartanDem]

7. This isn't really is not their business

what are they going to next do ban you giving your kid candy? You can ban parents from doing from a lot things, that are unhealthy. You can't protect everyone from everything nor you should we try.

[politicat]

8. I agree with this in principle, but oy vey is that legislator perpetuating bad science.

Immunity system? Which needs air? And more of it for a much smaller body? Must tell my respiratory therapist to crank the tanks for the tiny set...

Bad science helps nobody and it gives ammunition to the opponents.

[craigmatic]

9. It's a bad law because it's impossible to enforce.

[alcibiades_mystery]

10. People smoke in their cars with their kids?

Ugh.

Just ugh.

And I smoked 22 years.

What the fuck is wrong with people?