Population and Public Health Services: Tobacco Reduction

The trend in Saskatchewan is towards smoke-free homes

Saskatchewan residents are increasingly declaring their homes to be smoke-free.

In 1999, only 60 per cent of children in the province lived in smoke-free homes. By 2009, 92 per cent of children were reportedly protected by living in a smoke-free home. This trend shows that more and more homes are becoming smoke-free.

According to Health Canada there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke contains 4,000 chemicals. At least 50 of these chemicals cause cancer. Children are at greater risk from second-hand smoke since they breathe faster, absorb more chemicals from the smoke and are still growing.

Second-hand smoke in the home is linked to heart and respiratory diseases and cancer. Infants and children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma, allergies, respiratory problems and ear infections.

Babies who breathe in second-hand smoke have a higher risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome, also known as crib death. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for crib death and reduced birth weight. If a nonsmoking pregnant woman is exposed to second-hand smoke, this can also result in negative health effects such as miscarriage and tubal pregnancy.

Will opening a window, shutting a door, or ventilation help?
Opening a window, shutting a door or using an air purifier will not create a safe environment. Health Canada advises that no ventilation will eliminate the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke particles can cling to rugs, curtains, furniture and clothes remaining in a room long after someone has smoked.

Why should I make my home smoke-free?
Since infants and young children can’t complain or remove themselves from exposure to second-hand smoke it is important for homes to be smoke-free for them and the health of everyone in the home.

How can I make my home smoke-free?
Removing ashtrays and setting up a smoking area outside, if necessary, will be helpful. Welcome to our smoke-free home stickers can be placed on doors and windows. These stickers are available from RQHR Population and Public Health Service offices at:

• Central Office, M53 – 2110 Hamilton Street, Regina
• North Office, 204 Wascana Street, Regina
• East Office, 1911 Park Street, Regina
• Health Promotion, 1080 Winnipeg Street, Regina
• Four Directions Health Centre, 3510 -5th Avenue
• Al Ritchie Health Action Centre, 325 Victoria Avenue, Regina
• Fort Qu’Appelle Regional Office, 178 Boundary Avenue, Fort Qu’Appelle
• Grenfell Health Centre, 802 Wolseley Ave, Grenfell
• Southey Health Action Centre, 280 Burns Avenue, Southey

You can also access an image of the smoke-free home sticker here.

What if I live in an apartment or a condominium?
There is increasing public demand for smoke-free apartments and condominiums. Until these are more widely available, here are some tips about protecting you and your family from second-hand smoke:

• If possible, identify where the smoke is entering your home. Cracks and gaps around pipes and vents can be insulated and special seals for electrical outlets can help prevent smoke from entering the unit.
• Insulation on windows and doors, and door sweeps can also reduce the amount of smoke entering the unit.

For more information on making your home smoke-free check out Health Canada’s website or call RQHR Population and Public Health Services at 766-6327.