The smoking of one cigarette in the cab of a standing car makes it a reliable gas chamber. The pollutant concentration in the air will be 11 times higher than in the average bar. Even in a moving vehicle it will not be much better. The amount of pollutants in the air will still be 7 times higher . Some drivers see a solution opening their windows and ejecting a burning cigarette out of the car. Even so, the concentration of pollutants in the air will be two-thirds worse than in a smoky restaurant.
Smoking behind the wheel may be more dangerous than using your mobile
At least that is what experts say about other professions - representatives of the Australian tobacco industry. Cigarette control carries a lot of unwanted driver distractions. Sometimes just tapping the box and pulling out the tobacco delicacy is associated with a performance worthy escort. Then there is a search for a lighter, a cut ... And then there is no danger of driving the car. That one-handed control of the car's steering wheel can be extraordinarily extinguished, for example when dealing with an unexpected risk situation. And not to mention the hot moments when the driver gets his hot cigarette ash from his own cigarette. "A smoking rite behind a wheel can be dangerous as sending a text message from a mobile phone. That is associated with a six-fold increase in accident risk compared to a motorized colleague not subject to smoking. Regular smokers also face a double risk of death from the consequences of complications in treating injuries sustained in an accident, " says Roman Budský from the Road Safety Team
According to the World Health Organization, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 compounds, in more than 50 cases it is a proven carcinogen. A major danger is carbon monoxide for smokers. His negative influence on driving performance can be enormous. The hemoglobin red blood dye (fixed to form carboxyhemoglobin) binds strongly, approximately 230 times stronger than oxygen. The affected red blood cells lose the ability to transport oxygen around the body. Non-smokers have a carboxyhemoglobin level of about 0.5-1.5 percent in their body. In the case of chronic smokers, however, this is 5-10 percent, for the most exciting of them it can be up to 15 percent. At the level above 5 percent, headaches, nausea or dizziness occur. In addition, the negative effect of the cigarette burns for up to 12 hours.
In the presence of a smoker chauffeur, however, passive smokers also suffer. Acute symptoms of passive smoking are irritation of the eyes and throat, cough, headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Asthmatics may cause a seizure. With long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, passive smokers are exposed to an increased risk of lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When it comes to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, passive smokers are like lighter smokers.
Beware of the ban on smoking when transporting children abroad
Especially sensitive to inhalation of cigarette smoke are small children. Increased risk of sudden child death syndrome, middle ear inflammation, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. "Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke regularly will be up to 6 times more likely to become active smokers in the future compared to their uncoated cigarette smokers," warns Roman Budsky.
Not surprisingly, a number of states have reached a strict ban on smuggling children and adolescents. Italy prohibits smoking not only in the transport of children but also in pregnant women. In England and Wales, the driver or any of the passengers should not smoke when transporting a person under the age of 18 (smoking is prohibited even in a standing vehicle with an open door). Similarly in Scotland. Drivers do not even drive in Ireland for the transport of children. Cyprus is forbidden to smoke when transporting people under the age of 16, in France under the age of 12. Malta does not have to smoke (including electronic cigarettes) when transporting children under the age of 16, not only to drivers but also to co-drivers. The amount of financial penalty can be unpleasantly high. In Scotland, this is 1,000 pounds, in Italy up to 650 euros, Irish police officers will "appreciate" the violation of the law by an amount of 100 euros, Cyprus will need to reach the wallet for 85 and in France for 68 euros. Their colleagues in Malta are (yet) satisfied with 50 eury.
It is good to remember the ban on smoking in the car in the presence of children or adolescents even when traveling outside the European Union. This is a number of states within the US, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Source: tz, Road Safety Team