Three cheers for the Victorian for making a stand A quick search on the internet can easily bring up statistics from health organizations the world over all pointing to the one unarguable fact. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer from a diverse and alarming number of health problems including asthma, emphysema and cancer. These children also have a significantly higher rate of premature death. Whilst the exact numbers vary from study to study, they are nevertheless all in agreement. These children will be more likely to get sick and will be more likely to die prematurely. A recent report in Science Daily also reported a direct correlation between children exposed to tobacco smoke and academic performance. I could quote and list for pages facts and numbers. I could whip out my calculator and give you an average figure on how many children will not reach their full potential, will have lifelong health problems, and how many will not be around in ten years time to see how accurate my calculations would be. The questions that I wish to pose to anyone who feels that their right to smoke around their children, rather than pulling over and letting the children go and play for a few minutes, or stepping outside their house, or walking just a couple of meters away from where children are playing, are these: Where are your children going to fall within these statistics? Will they still be around as adults to ask you why you placed their health at such risk? Will they understand why you cared more about a moment of gratification rather than them? Or perhaps they won’t be around for you to have to answer such difficult questions. Thank you from every child whose life will be saved by your new legislation. Please continue and ban second hand smoke anywhere where children are exposed. Please lift any smoke over this issue. This is not an attack on smokers. This is a plea to save lives. Childrens lives. Elisabeth Sattler Oberon, NSW