Secondhand Smoke Exposure In Cars Research Articles

Public support for car smoking bans in Poland: a 2022 national cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke exposure in cars among adults in Poland and to characterise public attitudes towards the implementation of...

Do smokers want to protect non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoke in cars? Findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys.

There is currently no comprehensive legislation protecting non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in private cars at the European Union (EU) level. This study aims to assess smokers' support for smoke-free cars legislation in six EU countries. Data come from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys: Wave 1 (2016, n = 6011) and Wave 2 (2018, n = 6027) conducted in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain. Support for smoke-free cars carrying pre-school children and non-smokers and voluntary implementation of smoke-free cars were assessed among adult smokers. Generalized estimating equations models were used to assess changes in support between waves. In 2018, 96.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 95.4-97.0%] of the overall sample supported smoke-free legislation for cars carrying pre-school children, representing an increase of 2.4 percentage points in comparison to 2016. Smoke-free legislation for cars transporting non-smokers was supported by 85.2% (95% CI 83.1-87.1%) of smokers' in 2016 and 90.2% (95% CI 88.6-91.7%) in 2018. Among smokers who owned cars, there was a significant 7.2 percentage points increase in voluntary implementation of smoke-free cars carrying children from 2016 (60.7%, 95% CI 57.2-64.0%) to 2018 (67.9%, 95% CI 65.1-70.5%). All sociodemographic groups of smokers reported support higher than 80% in 2018. The vast majority of smokers in all six EU countries support smoke-free legislation for cars carrying pre-school children and non-smokers. This almost universal support across countries and sociodemographic groups is a clear indicator of a window of opportunity for the introduction of comprehensive legislation to protect non-smokers and children from SHS exposure in cars.

Exposure to car smoking among youth in seven countries of the European Union

Abstract Background In the USA and Canada, cars are a major source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among youth. Little is known about the magnitude of this public health problem in European countries. In this report, we study SHS exposure in vehicles among adolescents across 7 member states of the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on socio-economic characteristics and adolescents’ smoking environment. Methods Data on self-reported SHS exposure in cars during the past seven days was obtained from the 2016/17 cross-sectional SILNE-R study from 14-17-year old adolescents in EU seven countries (N = 10,481). We applied two multivariate logistic regression models with sociodemographic characteristics and mediating smoking-related factors. Results SHS car exposure varied widely across the 7 EU countries: 6% in Finland, 12% in Ireland, 15% in the Netherlands, 19% in Germany, 23% in Portugal, 36% in Belgium and 43% in Italy. Low paternal educational levels were strong correlates of SHS exposure in cars as well as migration background. Other correlates were one’s own smoking status and the relation to the family and peer smoking environment, such as parental smoking, permissive smoking rules at home, and best friends smoking. Conclusions In most of these seven countries, a considerable proportion of youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is exposed to SHS in cars. There is a need to ensure adoption and sustained enforcement of smoke-free car legislation. Given the long-term effectiveness of smoke-free car policies, our finding suggests that such policies can contribute towards reducing smoking inequalities. Key messages We assessed adolescent secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in cars in 7 EU countries, which varies widely, ranging from 6% in Finland to 43% in Italy. The findings point to a social gradient, environmental factors in SHS car exposure and call for the rapid implementation of smoke-free car legislation.

Exposure to car smoking among youth in seven cities across the European Union

BackgroundIn the United States and Canada, cars were found to be a major source of harmful secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among youth. Little is known about the magnitude of this public health problem in European countries. We study SHS exposure in vehicles among adolescents across seven cities of the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on socioeconomic characteristics and smoking in adolescents’ social environment. MethodsSelf-reported survey data on SHS exposure in cars during the past seven days was obtained from the 2016/17 cross-sectional SILNE-R study for 14- to 17 year old adolescents in seven EU cities (N = 10,481). We applied two multivariable logistic regression models with sociodemographic characteristics and mediating smoking-related factors. ResultsSHS exposure in cars varied widely across the seven EU cities: 6% in Tampere (Finland), 12% in Dublin (Ireland), 15% in Amersfoort (the Netherlands), 19% in Hanover (Germany), 23% in Coimbra (Portugal), 36% in Namur (Belgium) and 43% in Latina (Italy). Low paternal (OR 1.65, CI95% 1.38–1.98) and maternal (OR 1.40, CI95% 1.16–1.68) educational levels and parental migration (OR 1.37, CI95% 1.14–1.64) backgrounds were correlated with SHS exposure in cars. Other correlates were one’s own or peer smoking and environmental family factors, such as having at least one parental smoker (OR 4.04, CI95% 3.49–4.68) and partial smoking bans at home. ConclusionsIn most of these seven cities, a considerable proportion of youth riding in cars, particularly those from disadvantaged and smoking-permissive backgrounds, is exposed to SHS in cars.

Social inequalities in secondhand smoke exposure in children in Spain.

INTRODUCTIONChildren are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of secondhand smoke (SHS). The objectives of this study are to describe SHS exposure of children younger than 12 years in Spain and to identify potential social inequalities associated with SHS exposure.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the population younger than 12 years in Spain. A computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted with parents or legal guardians in 2016, to assess the children’s SHS exposure at home, in the car, at school and at the nursery gates, in public transport, and during leisure time. The socio-demographic variables included were the child’s age and sex, the highest educational attainment at home, and occupational social class. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for SHS exposure in each setting and for overall exposure.RESULTSIn all, 71.8% of the children were exposed to SHS: 25.8% were exposed at home, 4.6% in the car, 8.2% in public transport, 31.9% at outdoor nursery or school gates, and 48% during leisure time. The higher the educational attainment at home, the lower the exposure (38.8% for primary school or lower, 28.7% for secondary school and 20.8% university level). The more deprived the social class, the higher the exposure (21.7% class I-II, 23.4% class III-IV and 31.1% class V-VII). SHS exposure in cars and overall exposure also decreased with higher educational achievement.CONCLUSIONSIn Spain, a large proportion of children are still exposed to SHS. Furthermore, there are clear social inequalities. To reduce SHS exposure, there is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions with an equity perspective.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cars and Rooms: Trend Comparisons Among Subpopulations of Nonsmoking U.S. Middle and High School Students

Young people in the United States are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) primarily in 2 settings: homes and cars. Recently, researchers reported that the prevalence of U.S students exposed to SHS in cars decreased from 2000 to 2009; however, comparisons of trends across school levels, gender, and racial/ethnic groups were not assessed. Moreover, no studies have examined trends of exposure to SHS in rooms. We used data from the 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2009 waves of the National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of U.S. middle and high school students. For SHS in cars and rooms, we identified exposure trends among nonsmokers from 2000 to 2009 and compared trends across subpopulations with binary logistic regression. We identified significant downward linear trends in SHS in cars and rooms for nearly all measured subpopulations of nonsmoking students from 2000 to 2009. SHS exposure in cars and rooms declined at a significantly greater rate for males than for females. SHS exposure in cars declined at a significantly greater rate for non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks than for NH Whites. SHS exposure in rooms declined at a significantly greater rate for NH Whites than for Hispanics and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders. Although prevalence of exposure to SHS in cars and rooms among nonsmoking U.S. middle and high school students has declined from 2000 to 2009, the rates of decline were not equal across genders and racial/ethnic groups. Identification of these differing rates of exposure can help the public health community advocate for interventions focused on reducing adolescent SHS exposure.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Smoking Behavior Among Young Adult Bar Patrons

We described frequency of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among young adults patronizing bars and associations between SHS exposure, attitudes, and smoking behavior. We collected cross-sectional surveys from randomized time-location samples of bar patrons aged 18 to 26 years in San Diego, California, and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2010 to 2011. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated associations between SHS exposure, attitudes about dangers of SHS, susceptibility to smoking initiation among nonsmokers, and quit attempts among current smokers. More than 80% of respondents reported past 7-day exposure to any SHS, and more than 70% reported exposure at a bar. Current smokers reported more SHS exposure in cars and their own homes than did nonsmokers. Among nonsmokers, SHS exposure was associated with susceptibility to initiation, but those who believed that SHS exposure is harmful were less susceptible. Belief that SHS is dangerous was associated with quit attempts among smokers. Smoke-free environments and education about the harms of SHS may decrease tobacco use among young adults who frequent bars, where they are heavily exposed to SHS.

Second-hand smoke exposure levels and tobacco consumption patterns among a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Ireland

To estimate and identify characteristics of tobacco use, including use of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure, among a self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Ireland. Web-based self-administered questionnaire survey using a cross-sectional study design. A convenience sample of 661 self-identified LGBT respondents was recruited through a well-advertised web-based survey tool method between March and May 2012. Prevalence rates were adjusted for age, sexual orientation, social class and nationality. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to characterize tobacco use profile and SHS exposure levels for estimating adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of the 661 respondents, 45.3% (95% CI 44.9-45.7) reported current use of tobacco and 15.6% reported current use of RYO cigarettes (results were significantly higher for lesbians in both categories). In addition, 40.3% (95% CI 39.9-40.6) of respondents reported SHS exposure at home (significantly higher in gays), and 50.1% (95% CI 49.3-50.8) reported SHS exposure in cars (significantly higher in lesbians); these two groups were not mutually exclusive. The oldest individuals and non-Irish nationals were more than twice as likely to report SHS exposure in cars compared with the youngest individuals and Irish nationals, and the least-educated individuals were more than twice as likely to report current use of RYO cigarettes compared with the most-educated individuals (AOR 2.26; 95% CI 1.06-4.79). Non-tobacco users were less likely to report SHS exposure at home compared with current tobacco users (AOR 0.31; 95% CI 0.21-0.46). Despite inherent methodological limitations associated with identification of such a study sample, the adjusted rates indicate that tobacco use is very high among the LGBT community in Ireland compared with the general Irish population (smoking rate 29%). High levels of SHS exposure at home and in cars further underscore the significance of smoke-free private vehicle and 100% smoke-free home policies. A targeted tobacco control strategy should be explored for this vulnerable population.

Biomarkers of secondhand smoke exposure in automobiles

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were: (1) to characterise the exposure of non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) in a vehicle using biomarkers, (2) to describe the time course of...

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cars Among Middle and High School Students—United States, 2000–2009

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) from cigarettes poses a significant health risk to nonsmokers. Among youth, the home is the primary source of SHS. However, little is known about youth exposure to SHS in other nonpublic areas, particularly motor vehicles. Data were obtained from the 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2009 waves of the National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative survey of US students in grades 6 to 12. Trends in SHS exposure in a car were assessed across survey years by school level, gender, and race/ethnicity by using binary logistic regression. From 2000 to 2009, the prevalence of SHS exposure in cars declined significantly among both nonsmokers (39.0%-22.8%; trend P < .001) and smokers (82.3%-75.3%; trend P < .001). Among nonsmokers, this decline occurred across all school level, gender, and race/ethnicity subgroups. SHS exposure in cars decreased significantly among US middle and high school students from 2000 to 2009. Nevertheless, in 2009, over one-fifth of nonsmoking students were exposed to SHS in cars. Jurisdictions should expand comprehensive smoke-free policies that prohibit smoking in worksites and public places to also prohibit smoking in motor vehicles occupied by youth.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cars Among Middle and High School Students--United States, 2000-2009

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cars Among Middle and High School Students--United States, 2000-2009

IMPACT OF SMOKE-FREE LEGISLATION ON CHILDREN’S SECONDHAND SMOKE EXPOSURE

Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a serious health hazard for children. Thus, protecting children from SHS is an important public health target. However, smoking bans in public places may lead to changes in parental smoking behaviour and subsequently to even increased SHS exposure of children at home. Aim: To determine whether smoke-free legislation in Bavaria, Germany, is associated with changes in parental smoking behaviour at home and children’s SHS exposure. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were performed before and after implementation of smoke-free legislation at 01.01.2008. The study population comprised parents with children aged 5-6 years in three urban and three rural districts. Data were collected with self-administered questionnaires. The response rates were 78% (N=6350, first survey 2004-2005), 73% (N=6206, second survey 2005-2006), and 60% (N=5336, third survey 2008-2009). Exposure to SHS at home was defined as smoking of any person within the home excluding smoking exclusively on the balcony or terrace. Results: Before smoke-free legislation, 14% (first and second survey) of children were exposed to SHS at home. After implementation of smoke-free legislation, 13% of children were exposed (third survey). SHS exposure in cars slightly decreased from 11% (first survey) and 9% (second survey), respectively, to 6% (third survey). As expected, there was a considerable decrease in children’s SHS exposure at hospitality venues from 72% and 68%, respectively, to 24%. Among families with at least one smoking parent, the majority (74%) had smoke-free homes independent of smoking bans in public places. Further 17% reported no change in their smoking behaviour at home since smoke-free legislation and 8% a decrease in the amount or even a stop of smoking at home. Only 1% reported increased smoking. Conclusions: Restriction of smoking in public places in Germany did not increase children’s SHS exposure in their homes or in cars.

Effect of Secondhand Smoke on Occupancy of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Brain

Despite progress in tobacco control, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains prevalent worldwide and is implicated in the initiation and maintenance of cigarette smoking. To determine whether moderate SHS exposure results in brain α(4)β(2)* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) occupancy. Positron emission tomography scanning and the radiotracer 2-[18F]fluoro-3-(2(S)azetidinylmethoxy) pyridine (also known as 2-[(18)F]fluoro-A-85380, or 2-FA) were used to determine α(4)β(2)* nAChR occupancy from SHS exposure in 24 young adult participants (11 moderately dependent cigarette smokers and 13 nonsmokers). Participants underwent two bolus-plus-continuous-infusion 2-FA positron emission tomography scanning sessions during which they sat in the passenger's seat of a car for 1 hour and either were exposed to moderate SHS or had no SHS exposure. The study took place at an academic positron emission tomography center. Main Outcome Measure Changes induced by SHS in 2-FA specific binding volume of distribution as a measure of α(4)β(2)* nAChR occupancy. An overall multivariate analysis of variance using specific binding volume of distribution values revealed a significant main effect of condition (SHS vs control) (F(1,22)=42.5, P<.001) but no between-group (smoker vs nonsmoker) effect. Exposure to SHS led to a mean 19% occupancy of brain α(4)β(2)* nAChRs (1-sample t test, 2-tailed, P<.001). Smokers had both a mean 23% increase in craving with SHS exposure and a correlation between thalamic α(4)β(2)* nAChR occupancy and craving alleviation with subsequent cigarette smoking (Spearman ρ=-0.74, P=.01). Nicotine from SHS exposure results in substantial brain α(4)β(2)* nAChR occupancy in smokers and nonsmokers. Study findings suggest that such exposure delivers a priming dose of nicotine to the brain that contributes to continued cigarette use in smokers. This study has implications for both biological research into the link between SHS exposure and cigarette use and public policy regarding the need to limit SHS exposure in cars and other enclosed spaces.

Tobacco consumption and secondhand smoke exposure in vehicles: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of tobacco consumption and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in private cars, commercial vehicles and taxis in the city of Barcelona in Spain.Design setting and participantsWe carried...

Impact of smoking on in-vehicle fine particle exposure during driving

Indoor smoking ban in public places can reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. However, smoking in cars and homes has continued. The purpose of this study was to assess particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5) concentration in moving cars with different window opening conditions. The PM 2.5 level was measured by an aerosol spectrometer inside and outside moving cars simultaneously, along with ultrafine particle (UFP) number concentration, speed, temperature and humidity inside cars. Two sport utility vehicles were used. Three different ventilation conditions were evaluated by up to 20 repeated experiments. In the pre-smoking phase, average in-vehicle PM 2.5 concentrations were 16–17 μg m −3. Regardless of different window opening conditions, the PM 2.5 levels promptly increased when smoking occurred and decreased after cigarette was extinguished. Although only a single cigarette was smoked, the average PM 2.5 levels were 506–1307 μg m −3 with different window opening conditions. When smoking was ceased, the average PM 2.5 levels for 15 min were several times higher than the US National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 μg m −3. It took longer than 10 min to reach the level of the pre-smoking phase. Although UFP levels had a similar temporal profile of PM 2.5, the increased levels during the smoking phase were relatively small. This study demonstrated that the SHS exposure in cars with just a single cigarette being smoked could exceed the US EPA NAAQS under realistic window opening conditions. Therefore, the findings support the need for public education against smoking in cars and advocacy for a smoke-free car policy.

Second-hand smoke exposure in cars and respiratory health effects in children

We examined potential associations of ever asthma, and symptoms of wheeze (past 12 months), hay fever, eczema and bronchitis (cough with phlegm) among school children exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in cars, using a modified Irish International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol. 2,809 children of 13-14 yrs old and who selected randomly from post-primary schools throughout Ireland completed the 2007 ISAAC self-administered questionnaire. Adjusted OR (adjusted for sex, active smoking status of children interviewed and their SHS exposure at home) were estimated for the associations studied, using multivariable logistic regression techniques. Overall, 14.8% (13.9% in young males, 15.4% in young females) of Irish children aged 13-14 yrs old were exposed to SHS in cars. Although there was a tendency towards increased likelihood of both respiratory and allergic symptoms with SHS exposure in cars, wheeze and hay fever symptoms were significantly higher (adjusted OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.08-1.70) and 1.30 (1.01-1.67), respectively), while bronchitis symptoms and asthma were not significant (1.33 (0.92-1.95) and 1.07 (0.81-1.42), respectively). Approximately one in seven Irish schoolchildren are exposed to SHS in cars and could have adverse respiratory health effects. Further studies are imperative to explore such associations across different population settings.