New research has provided strong evidence that smoking in vehicles exposes non-smokers to very high levels of second-hand smoke.
The findings suggest drivers and passengers in a smoke-filled car are exposed to 23 times more toxins than used to be found in a smoky bar, mainly because of the enclosed nature of vehicles.
Smoking is one of the major causes of heart and circulatory disease,and research shows non-smokers who live with smokers have a greater risk of heart disease than those who don’t.
Maura Gillespie, our Head of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Passengers in smoke filled cars, including children, breathe in more pollutants than anywhere else.
“There is already clear evidence that passive smoking increases the risk of a number of serious health problems. Children especially need to be protected from the damaging effects of other people smoking in cars.
“All governments across the UK should consider what measures can be taken to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke in cars. We would, of course, support any legislation that protects our kids from adults’ lethal habits.”
The research was published by the British Medical Association, which is calling for a ban on smoking in cars.
Source - http://www.bhf.org.uk/media/news-from-the-bhf/smoking-in-cars.aspx
15th November 2011