UAE Proposes Smoking Ban in Cars with Children Under 12

Overview of the Proposed Law

Dubai, UAE - Smoking in cars with children under 12 years old might be banned soon, as reported by Emirates 24/7. The National Committee for Tobacco Control in UAE has proposed a fine of 500 AED for first-time offenders and increased fines for repeat offenders. The proposed Federal law is currently under review by the UAE Ministry of Health.

Health Risks of Passive Smoking

It's high time for this law to be passed, as we recommend. The Canadian-based Lung Association mentions serious effects of passive smoking on young children, including:

• Breathing problems
• Ear infections

Young children are particularly prone to passive smoking as their immune systems are not well developed and their breathing rate is faster than regular adults.

International Context

The UAE is not the first country to consider this law. Just this week, the Oregon Senate passed a bill banning smoking in cars with children. A similar ban was passed in the State of Victoria, Australia, in 2010.