Second Hand Smoke Prevention Policies

Second Hand Smoke Prevention Policies EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on the Smoke-free Cars Bill in NZ. I am currently a Population Health student at the University of Auckland, an interest which stemmed from my realisation that many illnesses and injuries are largely preventable. With volunteering experience for World Vision NZ, I am also an advocate of children’s health. My approach to health is based upon population health. In the case of smoking, there exists significant population health ramifications: of not only the impact tobacco has on smokers’ health, but of also the dangers of second-hand smoke (SHS) to those around them. This policy is therefore important for not only the wellbeing of children, but also for achieving widespread positive health gain for all New Zealanders. Like many health organisations in NZ, I urge the promotion of a Vision for Tupeka Kore Aotearoa; a tobacco-free New Zealand by 2020 so that future generations of New Zealanders will be protected from exposure to tobacco products and enjoy tobacco-free lives. I support the bill to ban smoking in all vehicles when children are present. Firstly, considerable scientific studies have produced convincing evidence that exposure to SHS in vehicles has serious health consequences for children. Moreover, there are marked deprivation and ethnic inequalities in in-vehicle SHS exposure. Thirdly, the need to protect children, a vulnerable group, from these harms forms the ethical rationale for regulatory action. Finally, ought such a bill be implemented, it would enjoy widespread public support from smokers and non-smokers, adults and children alike. Key Recommendations I recommend that awareness campaigns are needed to highlight the risks associated with SHS, the benefits of maintaining smoke-free cars, and the rationales behind a law banning smoking in vehicles carrying children. I recommend that the government continue supporting media campaigns and other initiatives which encourage smoking cessation. Based on the range of fines imposed in Australia and the fine linked to the safety belt law in NZ, I suggest an on-the-spot fine of $150 be set for those breaching the smoke-free ban. As a more long-term strategy, I recommend that the possibility of restricting smoking in all private vehicles (regardless of whether they are carrying children) to be explored. POLICY STATEMENT The harmful effects that SHS causes to children’s health is well documented. Although the general public is protected by the smoke-free regulations in enclosed public places and workspaces in NZ, most children remain at risk of exposure to high levels of SHS when confined in vehicles. For the purposes of this submission, â€Å"children† refers to anyone under the age of eighteen. In order to reduce children’s exposure to SHS in vehicles, I am championing the Smoke-free Cars Bill, banning smoking in any vehicle with children present. Using supporting evidence, I outline the reasons behind my position below. HEALTH AND WELLBEING RATIONALE Second-hand Smoke SHS is highly toxic; it contains thousands of hazardous chemicals, many of which are cancer-causing (carcinogenic). When non-smokers are exposed to SHS (passive smoking), they also inhale many of the toxins and carcinogenic substances as smokers do. Health Hazards in Children Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of SHS, as they have smaller airways and lungs, faster breathing rates, and less developed immune systems. For children, exposure to SHS is a known cause of many adverse health consequences. SHS increases the risk of respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and pneumonia) , middle ear infections , and sudden infant death syndrome . Exposure to SHS is especially harmful for asthmatic children, who experience more severe symptoms and more frequent asthma attacks. SHS can also cause asthma in children with no prior symptoms. An estimated one million asthmatic children in the United States have had their condition worsened due to SHS exposure. Yet, a study reported that only half of the parents of asthmatic children maintained smoke-free vehicles. Children exposed to SHS in vehicles have been found to exhibit nicotine dependence symptoms, even though they had previously never smoked cigarettes. A review by the British Medical Association concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to SHS for children; low levels of exposure are still associated with harmful health effects. Pollution Levels of Smoke in Vehicles Pollution levels from SHS with vehicles reach dangerously high levels that can cause serious health risks for all riders, particularly children. Unhealthy levels of pollution generated from SHS were detected across multiple studies, even with vehicle windows and air vents opened, and the fan set on high. The levels of pollution from SHS a child is exposed to in a fully ventilated vehicle was found to be greater than that of smoke-filled bars and restaurants , and smokers’ homes ; they also exceeded air quality levels on Auckland’s poorest air quality days. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health found that effects of SHS in vehicles continue to be harmful, long after the smoke had dissipated. This is due to the build-up of chemicals from cigarette smoke, which clings to the carpet and upholstery. In all cases, the studies’ authors recommended the enactment of smoke-free vehicle regulations to protect the health of not only children, but all non-smokers. EQUITY RATIONALE MÄ ori and Pacific Island children were found to have greater SHS exposure in vehicles. This, however, is not a localised phenomenon, as previous studies in the United States found similar ethnic disparities. Martin et al. observed that children of low socioeconomic status have a higher risk of exposure to SHS in vehicles, and therefore, may contribute to health inequities. This is consistent with a study in the United States, which reported that lower income households were less likely to maintain smoke-free cars. Jarvie and Malone concluded that a bill protecting children from SHS in vehicles promotes equity, because children who are already social disadvantaged (of minority populations, and deprived neighbourhoods and families) would derive the most benefits. ETHICAL RATIONALE Children are a Vulnerable Group Legislation is important to protect children because they are a vulnerable, dependent group of individuals, who – unlike adults – are unable to protect or speak for themselves. Preventing smoking by adults in vehicles containing children constrains adults freedom (or autonomy) temporarily, as they would only be restricted in vehicles. However, for children who are unable to protect themselves from SHS exposure, the effects of SHS are serious and permanent. Protecting the Interests of Children Ethicists asserted that adults who choose to smoke in vehicles with children present are not acting in the interests of the child, because their action places children at high risk of serious harm from SHS exposure. This is a circumstance where the interests of children and parents conflict: the health and wellbeing of children, versus adults freedom to smoke in vehicles. Given that SHS exposure is profound in its potential to cause preventable morbidity and mortality among children, the government – as the ultimate guardian of children – has a duty to ban smoking in vehicle with children present. This bill is further supported by ethical principles of non-maleficence and beneficence: it both obliges adults to not inflict harm to children, and promotes the interests of children. INCREASING PUBLIC SUPPORT Numerous studies found that while smokers were less likely to be supportive of smoke-free laws in all vehicles, they were largely supportive of banning smoking in vehicles when children are present. It is fair to conclude that there would be even higher levels of support among non-smokers. The vast majority of people would therefore be calling for and supporting the enforcement of a smoke-free law for vehicles carrying children. Survey data in NZ and overseas alike have indicated that support for laws banning smoking in cars carrying children has been increasing over time. A NZ study found that children expressed negative feelings toward smoking, and were aware that smoking in cars with children present is ‘wrong’. Some specifically stated that smoking should be banned, which suggests that children themselves would be supportive of a bill restricting smoking in vehicles. RECOMMENDATIONS Alongside legislation (which urges responsible behaviour), I recommend that awareness campaigns are needed to highlight the health risks for children associated with SHS, the benefits of maintaining smoke-free cars, and the rationales behind a law banning smoking in vehicles containing children. I recommend that the government continue to support media campaigns by Quitline NZ and other initiatives which encourage smoking cessation, as it is the single most effective way of reducing children’s exposure to SHS without forcing behaviour change. I suggest an on-the-spot fine of $150 be set for those breaching the smoke-free ban. This has been made in consideration of the range of fines imposed in Australia (where there already exists a smoking bans on vehicles carrying children) , as well as the $150 fine associated with breaching the safety belt law in NZ . As a more long-term strategy, I recommend that the possibility of restricting smoking in all private vehicles should be explored, as this would be much more straightforward and practical than a ban limited to smoking in vehicles only if children are present. Exposure to SHS in vehicles is also a significant risk to the health of adults. CONCLUSION Thank you for the opportunity to submit on the Smoke-free Cars Bill in NZ. In this submission, I have outlined the health and wellbeing, equity and ethical rationales, as well as evidence of increasing public support, for why a law banning smoking in all vehicles containing children is required. I have made practical recommendations on how the policy, if implemented, could be improved and strengthened. I look forward to seeing the regulation of smoking in cars as one step closer to realising Tupeka Kore Aotearoa, a tobacco-free New Zealand, by 2020.

Discuss the causes of the Civil War Essay

The Civil War, also known as the â€Å"War between the States†, was fight from 1861 to 1865 between the Union (or the North) and the Confederacy (the South). There were many causes such as economic disparity between north and south, slavery, and the election of Abraham Lincoln. The North had an industrial based economy whereas the South was a predominantly agricultural economy. One of the major reasons of the outburst of the Civil War was two different labor systems – free labor in the north and slavery in the south. In the Northern America, as the machines took place of laborers in the rise of big factories, they needed free labor instead of slavery, so the slaves became no longer important. On the other hand, the South was based on agricultural and relied upon the labor of the slaves. This economic disparity has given rise to a debate over slavery. The North wanted to end up the spread of slavery, since it was a major obstacle in the development of Northern economy, but at the same time, it would cause big loss of benefit in the South. The conflict was intensified by the election of Lincoln of 1840, because the Southerners thought Lincoln was anti-slavery and would be in favor of Northern interests. After the election of Lincoln, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and some other southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederacy. On April 12, 1861, the Confederates oped fire at Ft. Sumter, which was the first battle of the Civil War. Conflict between the North and the South could not have been avoided. The industrial capitalistic economy in the North and plantation economy in the South had increasingly conflicts in raw materials, markets, tariffs, labor force and other aspects. The core problem was the slavery. In economy, it has hindered the development of capitalistic economy in the United States. In politics, it has become a risk factor that caused Federal division. After  the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the cotton textile industry developed rapidly, so did the Northern America. The demand for cotton was highly increased. In this case, mass production of cotton was profitable, which meant large amount of cheap labor – slaves – was needed. What’s more, whether slavery was legal in the newly gained territories from westward expansion, has been the most acute problems, because the creation of a slave or free state was directly related to which side could control the Senate. Thus, with the development of two types of economy, the conflict between the North and the South was unavoidable. In conclusion, although the Civil War was one of the most tragic wars in American history and unavoidable, the nation was reunited and strengthened as a whole country, not just a collection of states.

Deception Point Page 93

POTUS. She felt a sudden surge of hope. Something about POTUS struck Gabrielle as being a perfect Sexton password. Simple, positive, self-referential. She quickly typed in the letters. POTUS. Holding her breath, she hit â€Å"return.† The computer beeped. Invalid Password – Access Denied Slumping, Gabrielle gave up. She headed back toward the bathroom door to exit the way she had come. She was halfway across the room, when her cellphone rang. She was already on edge, and the sound startled her. Stopping short, she pulled out her phone and glanced up to check the time on Sexton's prized Jourdain grandfather clock. Almost 4:00 A.M. At this hour, Gabrielle knew the caller could only be Sexton. He was obviously wondering where the hell she was. Do I pick up or let it ring? If she answered, Gabrielle would have to lie. But if she didn't, Sexton would get suspicious. She took the call. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"Gabrielle?† Sexton sounded impatient. â€Å"What's keeping you?† â€Å"The FDR Memorial,† Gabrielle said. â€Å"The taxi got hemmed in, and now we're-â€Å" â€Å"You don't sound like you're in a taxi.† â€Å"No,† she said, her blood pumping now. â€Å"I'm not. I decided to stop by my office and pick up some NASA documents that might be relevant to PODS. I'm having some trouble finding them.† â€Å"Well, hurry up. I want to schedule a press conference for the morning, and we need to talk specifics.† â€Å"I'm coming soon,† she said. There was a pause on the line. â€Å"You're in your office?† He sounded suddenly confused. â€Å"Yeah. Another ten minutes and I'll be on my way over.† Another pause. â€Å"Okay. I'll see you soon.† Gabrielle hung up, too preoccupied to notice the loud and distinctive triple-tick of Sexton's prized Jourdain grandfather clock only a few feet away. 113 Michael Tolland did not realize Rachel was hurt until he saw the blood on her arm as he pulled her to cover behind the Triton. He sensed from the catatonic look on her face that she was not aware of any pain. Steadying her, Tolland wheeled to find Corky. The astrophysicist scrambled across the deck to join them, his eyes blank with terror. We've got to find cover, Tolland thought, the horror of what had just happened not yet fully registering. Instinctively, his eyes raced up the tiers of decks above them. The stairs leading up to the bridge were all in the open, and the bridge itself was a glass box-a transparent bull's-eye from the air. Going up was suicide, which left only one other direction to go. For a fleeting instant, Tolland turned a hopeful gaze to the Triton submersible, wondering perhaps if he could get everyone underwater, away from the bullets. Absurd. The Triton had room for one person, and the deployment winch took a good ten minutes to lower the sub through the trap door in the deck to the ocean thirty feet below. Besides, without properly charged batteries and compressors, the Triton would be dead in the water. â€Å"Here they come!† Corky shouted, his voice shrill with fear as he pointed into the sky. Tolland didn't even look up. He pointed to a nearby bulkhead, where an aluminum ramp descended belowdecks. Corky apparently needed no encouragement. Keeping his head low, Corky scurried toward the opening and disappeared down the incline. Tolland put a firm arm around Rachel's waist and followed. The two of them disappeared belowdecks just as the helicopter returned, spraying bullets overhead. Tolland helped Rachel down the grated ramp to the suspended platform at the bottom. As they arrived, Tolland could feel Rachel's body go suddenly rigid. He wheeled, fearing maybe she'd been hit by a ricocheting bullet. When he saw her face, he knew it was something else. Tolland followed her petrified gaze downward and immediately understood. Rachel stood motionless, her legs refusing to move. She was staring down at the bizarre world beneath her. Because of its SWATH design, the Goya had no hull but rather struts like a giant catamaran. They had just descended through the deck onto a grated catwalk that hung above an open chasm, thirty feet straight down to the raging sea. The noise was deafening here, reverberating off the underside of the deck. Adding to Rachel's terror was the fact that the ship's underwater spotlights were still illuminated, casting a greenish effulgence deep into the ocean directly beneath her. She found herself gazing down at six or seven ghostly silhouettes in the water. Enormous hammerhead sharks, their long shadows swimming in place against the current-rubbery bodies flexing back and forth. Tolland's voice was in her ear. â€Å"Rachel, you're okay. Eyes straight ahead. I'm right behind you.† His hands were reaching around from behind, gently trying to coax her clenched fists off the banister. It was then that Rachel saw the crimson droplet of blood roll off her arm and fall through the grating. Her eyes followed the drip as it plummeted toward the sea. Although she never saw it hit the water, she knew the instant it happened because all at once the hammerheads spun in unison, thrusting with their powerful tails, crashing together in a roiling frenzy of teeth and fins. Enhanced telencephalon olfactory lobes†¦ They smell blood a mile away. â€Å"Eyes straight ahead,† Tolland repeated, his voice strong and reassuring. â€Å"I'm right behind you.† Rachel felt his hands on her hips now, urging her forward. Blocking out the void beneath her, Rachel started down the catwalk. Somewhere above she could hear the rotors of the chopper again. Corky was already well out in front of them, reeling across the catwalk in a kind of drunken panic. Tolland called out to him. â€Å"All the way to the far strut, Corky! Down the stairs!† Rachel could now see where they were headed. Up ahead, a series of switchback ramps descended. At water level, a narrow, shelflike deck extended the length of the Goya. Jutting off this deck were several small, suspended docks, creating a kind of miniature marina stationed beneath the ship. A large sign read: DIVE AREA Swimmers May Surface without Warning – Boats Proceed with Caution- Rachel could only assume Michael did not intend for them to do any swimming. Her trepidation intensified when Tolland stopped at a bank of wire-mesh storage lockers flanking the catwalk. He pulled open the doors to reveal hanging wetsuits, snorkels, flippers, life jackets, and spearguns. Before she could protest, he reached in and grabbed a flare gun. â€Å"Let's go.† They were moving again. Up ahead, Corky had reached the switchback ramps and was already halfway down. â€Å"I see it!† he shouted, his voice sounding almost joyous over the raging water. See what? Rachel wondered as Corky ran along the narrow walkway. All she could see was a shark-infested ocean lapping dangerously close. Tolland urged her forward, and suddenly Rachel could see what Corky was so excited about. At the far end of the decking below, a small powerboat was moored. Corky ran toward it. Rachel stared. Outrun a helicopter in a motorboat? â€Å"It has a radio,† Tolland said. â€Å"And if we can get far enough away from the helicopter's jamming†¦ â€Å" Rachel did not hear another word he said. She had just spied something that made her blood run cold. â€Å"Too late,† she croaked, extending a trembling finger. We're finished†¦ When Tolland turned, he knew in an instant it was over. At the far end of the ship, like a dragon peering into the opening of a cave, the black helicopter had dropped down low and was facing them. For an instant, Tolland thought it was going to fly directly at them through the center of the boat. But the helicopter began to turn at an angle, taking aim. Tolland followed the direction of the gun barrels. No!

Survival Guide The Great Gatsby, And Death Of A Salesman

Christine Powroznik English Final Exam: Survival Guide Pursuit of Happyness, Dead Poet’s Society, The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman 1) The American Dream The Great Gatsby: The American dream is a chance to start a new life in a new setting. In this book, Gatsby’s American dream was Daisy. Once he met her, he devoted his life to pleasing her: he bought the mansion across the bay from her, had extravagant parties, etc. He always held onto his hope, or the green light, that he would win her back. Everything he did was for Daisy. 2) Success Failure Dead Poet’s Society: A key concept that Mr. Keating taught the boys in his English class was to â€Å"seize the day,† or carpe diem. The boys then begin to find themselves reevaluating their lives in new ways to fit this idea. For example, Neil decided that he wanted to become an actor. Pursuit of Happyness: Chris Gardner, a poor bone density scanner salesmen, is struggling to provide for his family. Running out of money and with no place to live, Chris applies for an internship at a stock brokerage firm. After facing many hardships, and spending most of his time dedicated to the firm, he lands the position. He was then able to provide more than enough for his family and live comfortably. 3) Conformity Individuality Dead Poet’s Society: Mr. Keating taught his English class carpe diem. His students took this lesson into their daily lives and began thinking of ways to succeed and feel happy in life. After parent’s of the boysShow MoreRelatedThe American Dream Must Have Been A Dream After All Essay1678 Words   |  7 Pagestoday, ruining our political democracy, our capitalistic economy, and our chances at achieving the American Dream. Money is handled differently between the rich and the poor. Money in the hands of the poor is spent on essential items necessary for survival, and since money is not abundant in the hands of the poor, every single penny is cherished as a gift from God. However in the hands of the rich, money is used to acquire more money. The urge to succumb to greed influences the rich to use any and