Secondhand smoke has been reported to cause many health hazards not only to adults but also to children. That is why England has issued a ban on smoking inside the car which is carrying children as passengers.
This law will be officially enacted starting October 1, 2015 with offenders facing a fine of £50 ($77). This law is similar to that of Wales and it aims to protect children who are younger than 18 years old from second hand smoke.
Second hand smoke harms children and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to protect people who don't smoke from the harmful effects of smoking, it should be eliminated in all homes, vehicles, worksites and public places.
Second hand smoke comes from the smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. In children it can cause several health problems such as ear infections, asthma attacks, respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and a greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The long-term effects were not yet established but many report say that it can lead to certain cancers. In adults, many studies attest to its heath threats to the body which include lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.
The British Lung Foundation celebrates the legislature of the law. However, a group named 'Forest' which consists of smokers says that it's unenforceable as reported by BBC News.
The legislation applies to enclosed and private vehicles but not to anyone driving alone. It does not apply to vehicles like convertible cars with the top down.
The law was passed in the Commons incurring 342 MPs' votes but 74 voted against the passing of the law. Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison said, "Three million children are exposed to second hand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk.We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke."
According to the British Lung Foundation, more than 430,000 children are exposed to second-hand smoke in the family car each week. Their campaign to ban smoking inside cars has been their move for five years and now, their efforts have been rewarded with the new law to be enacted.
According to Dr. Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "This is a tremendous victory. We urge the Government to show the same commitment to introduce standardised packaging for all tobacco products, in order to protect the 200,000 children taking up smoking every year in this country."
She added, "We are certain that these measures together will prove to be two of the most significant milestones for public health since the smoke-free legislation of 2007."
BBC News reiterated on the effects of passive smoking in the body. Also, they reported that the smoke from cigarettes can stay in the air for up to two hours even with the windows open.
