Secondhand Smoke in Vehicles:
What you need to know
Smoking in a car produces dangerous levels of
secondhand smoke (containing toxic chemicals) in a
short amount of time. Having an open window or
running the air conditioner does not clear the air.
All exposure to secondhand smoke is unsafe and can cause:
- Eye and nose irritation
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Ear infections and colds
- Lung and other cancers
- Asthma, and more frequent
and severe asthma attacks
Making your car a smoke-free zone protects you,
your passengers and pets.
- Make every ride a smoke-free ride.
- Remove the ashtrays and cigarette lighters from your car.
- Offer gum or mints to smokers so they don't smoke.
"I know it is hard for you when you can't smoke, but our car is
smoke-free. Could you please wait until you are outside to light up?
Would you like some gum for the ride?"
- If the driver is a smoker, ask him or her not to smoke when you
or your children are in the car.
"I know this is your car but I would really appreciate it if you don't
smoke while I am here, because it makes it hard for me to breathe."
- Teach children how to politely ask people not to smoke around them.
"Could I ask you a favor? Can you please not smoke around me?
The smoke really bothers my breathing."
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