Children at risk from cigarette smoke in cars 'up to an hour' after parents light up

Drivers who smoke could be putting fellow passengers at risk for up to an hour after smoking.

Parents who light up in their cars could be putting their children at prolonged risk.

With the debate on smoking in vehicles garnering considerable attention, researchers have fuelled the concern that smoking in a car can put passengers at risk.

Young children are particularly vulnerable when it comes to smoke in such a confined space and research has suggested that they could be at risk for ‘up to an hour’ after their parent or guardian has lit a cigarette.

The study was conducted by the Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) and the findings were presented at a Cardiff conference this week.

Previously, many drivers believed that disposing of their cigarette or opening a window would provide sufficient ventilation. However, research suggests that the smoke lingers and continues to remain at ‘hazardous levels’ for up to one hour.

Second-hand smoke inhalation can lead to breathing difficulties, illnesses and lung problems later on in life.

Campaigner Julie Barratt of CIEH is keen to see parents stub out their cigarettes and refrain from smoking in their cars: “Don’t kid yourself that because you cannot see the smoke, it is not there doing harm. Children are still inhaling particulate matter long after cigarettes have been put out.”

Despite the public ban on smoking that came into force in July 2007, smoking in cars is still permitted. The US and Canada have banned smoking in cars but the UK is yet to follow suit.

source: www.centralcontracts.com