1 in 5 Kids Exposed to Secondhand Smoke in Cars
Despite the fact that the rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in cars showed a decline between 2000 and 2009, there are still one too many high school and middle school students who ride in cars while other passengers are smoking.
A research effort from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 1 in 5 high school and middle school students are exposed to secondhand smoke in vehicles. This type of secondhand smoke has been associated with breathing problems and allergy symptoms, and the report called for more restrictions in order to prevent this exposure.
Anti-smoking advocates have been especially keen on exposure to secondhand smoke in cars, as there is research that showed that vehicles are potentially more dangerous than smoke-filled bars and other areas which are not as confined.
The researchers performed an analysis of data from national surveys conducted at public and private high schools and middle schools. The survey asked students about how often they rode in vehicles with someone else smoking in them within the past week, among other things.
According to the CDC, no level of exposure to secondhand smoke can be considered risk-free. CDC researcher Brian King, lead author of the study, shared that despite the decline in smoking rates in cars between 2000 and 2009, the number of kids who are exposed to secondhand smoke in vehicles is still “problematic.” He shared further: “The car is the only source of exposure for some of these children, so if you can reduce that exposure, it’s definitely advantageous for health.”
Tags: dangers of secondhand smoke, secondhand smoke, secondhand smoke exposure, secondhand smoke risks
