Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to make secondhand smoke a crime

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to make secondhand smoke a crime.Summary offense State Sen. Gene Yaw’s proposal would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to make it a summary offense to smoke in a vehicle while transporting a child age 12 or younger.The legislation, Yaw said, includes a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other smoking devices such as an electronic cigarette or vaporizer.CDC research Yaw says research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows secondhand smoke causes asthma attacks, respiratory and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. “Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, particularly in enclosed spaces like vehicles where toxins can quickly reach dangerous levels,” Yaw said. “This bill is a simple, commonsense step to protect their health and well-being.”The CDC says two in five American children are exposed to secondhand smoke.

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to make secondhand smoke a crime.

Summary offense

State Sen. Gene Yaw’s proposal would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to make it a summary offense to smoke in a vehicle while transporting a child age 12 or younger.

The legislation, Yaw said, includes a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other smoking devices such as an electronic cigarette or vaporizer.

CDC research

Yaw says research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows secondhand smoke causes asthma attacks, respiratory and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome.

“Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, particularly in enclosed spaces like vehicles where toxins can quickly reach dangerous levels,” Yaw said. “This bill is a simple, commonsense step to protect their health and well-being.”

The CDC says two in five American children are exposed to secondhand smoke.