In recognition of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Early Childhood Development Association, and PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance presented a recognition certificate today to Children's Corner Child Care Centre and Child Development Centre Kindergarten for their support of smoke-free policies which prohibit smoking in the presence of any child.
Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem indicated that the Early Childhood Development Association has shown tremendous leadership in providing children with safe and secure spaces.
Children are especially vulnerable to environmental tobacco smoke. Smoke from the end of a cigarette has more harmful chemicals in it than the smoke inhaled directly by a smoker through a filtered cigarette.
"Children absorb more tobacco smoke toxins than adults," said Minster Ballem. "With their small lungs, a child needs to breath more rapidly than an adult with the same body weight. For the same level of exposure to tobacco smoke, a child will absorb more toxins," he said.
Cindy Donahue, President of the Early Childhood Development Association, indicated that all of the 134 licensed child care facilities across PEI prohibit smoking in the presence of children.
"It is extremely important that as early childhood educators we ensure that children have the opportunity to play and learn in a healthy environment," said Donahue. "We have the responsibility to protect children in our facilities from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke."
Studies have shown that children exposed to tobacco smoke in their environment are more at risk for asthma, ear infections, coughs, and bronchitis.
"By providing facilities where smoking is not permitted in the presence of children, we are taking an effective step to promote the health and well being of Island children," said Donahue.
Recognition certificates will be presented to all licensed child care facilities on May 31st.