BMA's call to ban smoking in cars wins support from NHS Fife
NHS FIFE has backed calls by the British Medical Association to ban people from smoking in their cars.
- Published in the Courier : 21.11.11
- Published online : 21.11.11 @ 08.54am
The BMA is urging the Government to bring in a ''bold and courageous'' law that would make it illegal for anyone to smoke in a car, whether a child is present or not.
According to the BMA, second-hand smoke in cars is a serious health risk as toxin levels can be 23 times higher than in a smoky room.
The organisation's Smoking in Vehicles paper (PDF link) says children are particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke because they absorb more pollutants and have underdeveloped immune systems. It also claims smoking is a road safety risk because it distracts drivers.
A spokeswoman for NHS Fife said: ''Second-hand smoke, whether it is in the home, car or public space, is harmful to the health of everyone.
''Whether this is legislative or not, we need to continue to build upon the positive cultural shift in attitudes towards protecting others from second-hand smoke by taking appropriate measures...
''Adults can reduce their risk of developing or worsening conditions such as coronary heart disease, respiratory disease, cancers and the early onset of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke.''
BMA public health medicine committee co-chairman Keith Reid said: ''The State has a responsibility to intervene to protect children, and a ban on smoking in motor vehicles would reinforce the message that children are harmed through others' smoking.
''The evidence suggests that the most feasible way to accomplish this is to implement a complete ban on smoking in motor vehicles.''
Prime Minister David Cameron said he supported the ban on smoking in public places but was more ''nervous'' about legislating about what people do inside a vehicle.
Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group Forest, said: ''There is no justification for a ban on smoking in cars, with or without children present.
''The evidence that it is harmful to other passengers is weak, to say the least.
''We don't condone smoking in cars with children. It's inconsiderate, certainly, but only a small minority of people do so these days.''
10.25am - 21.11.2011 Kenny - Forfar, Scotland Report This
It's not just about the health issue. You can be fined, if caught, for using a mobile phone or eating or drinking etc. whilst driving so why does this not apply to smoking?? I can't see what the difference is as it is still a distraction for the driver.
07.59am - 22.11.2011 D.N.W. - Fife, Scotland Report This
Before NHS Fife aims to show how progressive it is, shouldn't they be looking to address more basic issues first, such as being the primary lead in treating FIfe patients, instead of offloading them en masse to NHS Tayside? I'm all for collaboration, but what is happening is just a joke.
08.34am - 22.11.2011 Jason - Dundee, scotland Report This
Utter nonsense! while I agree with smoking being harmful to children etc. Why is it a distraction? what will be next I ask banning talking to passengers? well that is certainly a distraction, is it not? banning the use of the radio? another distraction, the Sat-Nav? yet another, I mean seriously!
08.37pm - 23.11.2011 Jonik - Philadelphia PA, USA Report This
It appears that the BMA knows nothing about, or ignores, symptoms of tobacco withdrawal. Sleepiness, irritation (road rage), distraction, digestive problems, etc., are not recommended for drivers. Further, it does not appear that doctors can provide a single victim of in-car smoke.
10.22am - 24.11.2011 Kenny - Forfar, Scotland Report This
@ Jason. I missed my point. Taking a fag out of it's packet, putting it in your mouth and lighting it is NO different from taking a drink or a bite to eat. Why should 1 be illegal and not the other. It is the law that is flawed to allow 1 and not the other. Not that anyone will obey the law anyway!
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