Make your car smokefree and vapefree - English - HE1803-ENG
This resource relates to the following topics:
Leaflet on keeping your car smokefree and vapefree.
The full resource:
It's illegal to smoke or vape in a vehicle when there are children under the age of 18 present.
Smoking in the car is harmful to your children
- Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to develop illnesses such as chest infections, glue ear and asthma.
- Young people who have whānau and friends who vape or smoke are more likely to take up vaping or smoking.
Secondhand smoke in your car
Secondhand smoke is a mix of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette plus the smoke blown into the air by the person smoking. It contains more than 200 poisons, some of which can cause cancer.
- Winding the window down will not remove all of the poisons.
- The poisons will linger long after the smoke and smell have disappeared.
- Children are often not able to move away from secondhand smoke in a car.
Tips to make your car smokefree and vapefree
- Make a rule – your car is smokefree and vapefree at all times for everyone.
- Clean out your car ashtray.
- Remove the car cigarette lighter.
- Let other people know – put a smokefree sticker on your car window. You can order stickers at Smokefree.org.nz and HealthEd
- Place your vape device out of sight and reach.
Be a positive role model and donʻt smoke or vape around children at any time. Theyʻll be less likely to take up smoking and vaping.