A bill to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in vehicles when children are present was introduced recently, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, sponsor of the measure.

“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, according to a news release. “This bill is a simple, commonsense step to protect their health and well-being.”

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.

Health experts have consistently warned about the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children exposed to secondhand smoke face increased risks of severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome.

Additionally, the U.S. Surgeon General has reported that secondhand smoke contains more than 250 toxic or cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, the news release said.

Children who are exposed in confined environments like vehicles inhale many of the same harmful substances as smokers.