Laura Jones, Crawford Moodie, Anne Marie Mackintosh and Linda Bauld
Presenter(s)
Dr Laura Jones Lecturer In Qualitative and Mixed Methods Health Research, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham
Abstract
Although a growing number of jurisdictions have introduced at least some restrictions on smoking within public places, few extend these bans to smoking in private cars. There is a paucity of research exploring young people’s perceptions of smoking in cars and their awareness of the potential harms.
Data from a 2011 UK cross-sectional study with 11-16 year olds (n = 1373) were utilised. Adolescents were asked how often they are exposed to smoking in vehicles, their support for car smoking bans, and their perceptions of the harms associated with exposure. Almost half (47%) reported being exposed to smoking in cars, with 17% reporting travelling once a week or more with someone smoking. 84% supported a ban on smoking in cars carrying children under 16 years. 73% reported that they disliked being exposed to smoking in cars and when asked about the health risks for non-smoking passengers exposed to secondhand smoke, 90% perceived exposure to be harmful.
Many UK adolescents report exposure to smoking in cars. Adolescents’ opposition to such exposure, the associated health risks and their support for car smoking bans highlights the need for further consideration to be given to potential legislative options around smoking in private cars.
Source of funding: This work was supported by Cancer Research UK grant number C312/A8721.
