Abu Dhabi: Parents across the UAE have expressed their hopes that a by-law banning smoking in cars in the presence of children 12 years and younger will soon be passed.
The by-law, which is part of the Federal Law on Tobacco Control (No 15 of 2009), was forwarded to the UAE Cabinet last month, said Dr Widad Al Maidour, head of tobacco control at the Ministry of Health. It also calls for offenders to be penalised with a fine of Dh500 and more.
“Although cars are a private space, the presence of a child places certain responsibilities upon adults, and these are what the by-law addresses. We are now waiting for approval from the Cabinet,” Dr Widad told Gulf News.
In addition to the health risks arising from passive smoking in an enclosed space, lighting up in front of a young child also encourages them to model the negative behaviour, said Dr Dolly Habbal, clinical psychologist at the Gulf Diagnostics Centre Hospital in the capital.
“Children learn largely by imitating the actions of others, and the majority of children start smoking because they follow the actions of their older siblings, parents or peers. This is why the by-law is very important. In addition, it will also protect children below the age of 12 years from respiratory problems that can occur as a result of inhaling toxic tobacco compounds in small enclosed spaces such as a car,” Dr Habbal said.
Gloria, an Indian mother-of-two based in Dubai, said she has always advocated that adults avoid smoking in front of their children.
“Fortunately, my husband does not smoke. However, I have seen many friends who smoke around children while ignoring the negative effects on their health. Subjecting children to prolonged smoke exposure puts them at a medical and psychological disadvantage, and this is why the by-law should be implemented,” she added.
C.Z, 30, a Lebanese national, said her husband does not smoke in front of their children either at home or in the car. “We have always been careful to keep our children away from the risks of tobacco smoke, and completely support this by-law,” she added.
