By Age Group
By Urban and Rural Geography
By Income
By Education
According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), for the 2015-2016 survey years, 13% (9.6%, 17.2%) of Simcoe Muskoka residents (12+) that identified as non-smokers said that they were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at work or school. This was not significantly different from provincial rate of 11% (10.4%, 12.1%).
Age
The reporting of regular exposure to secondhand smoke in at work or school is highest among non-smoking children and youth (12-19 years) and decreases with age. In 2015-2016, 17% (14.4%, 19.0%) of non-smoking and youth in Ontario reported regular exposure to secondhand smoke at work or school, significantly higher than any other age group.
Urban and Rural Geography
Provincially, regular exposure to secondhand smoke at work or school among non-smokers is higher for those living in urban areas compared with those residing in rural areas. In 2015-2016, 9.9% (9.1%, 10.7%) of non-smokers (12+) in Ontario living in urban areas were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at work or school, which was significantly higher than the 1% (1.1%, 1.6%) for those that live in rural areas. The increased exposure to secondhand smoke among urban populations was also observed when looking at the province as a whole. The difference in exposures between urban and rural populations was not significant in Simcoe Muskoka.
Income
Regular exposure to secondhand smoke at work or school among non-smokers is higher for those living in households with lower income across Ontario. In 2015-2016, 13.5% (11.1%, 16.3%) of Ontario non-smokers (12+) living in households in the lowest 20 per cent of income were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at work or school, which was significantly higher than the 8% (7.2%, 9.8%) for those living in households in the top 20 per cent of income.
Education Level
Provincially, non-smokers with a higher level of education completed were less likely to report regular exposure to secondhand smoke at work or school. In 2015-2016, 7% (5.6%, 8.4%) of non-smokers in Ontario who had competed a degree or higher reported regular exposure to secondhand smoke at work or school, significantly lower than the 12% (10.1%, 13.9%) for those with a high school diploma or less.
