November 15, 2011
Children shouldn’t be exposed to second-hand smoke in cars
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.
We would support any legislation that protects our kids from adults’ lethal habits
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.