Secondhand smoke exposure in a car

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Health Promotion Act was revised in 2018 and prohibits smoking inside taxis and buses. However, there is no regulation for smoking in the business vehicles of companies or private cars. This paper examined exposure to secondhand smoke in vehicles with digital dust monitors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cigarette was smoked inside of a five-seat car, and particulate matter 2.5 (PM(2.5)) concentrations were measured at front and rear seats. RESULTS: The concentration of PM(2.5) reached 3,400 μg/m(3) with all windows closed and decreased to approximately 3,000 μg/m(3) when driver's window and passengers' windows were opened by 10 cm. However, the PM(2.5) concentration did not decrease to levels below 1,500 μg/m(3) with all windows fully opened. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, smoking should not be allowed inside any vehicle when non-smokers are present.