Welsh Government report has found that fewer people are smoking in car

In November 2012, 78% of adults across Wales with access to a car did not allow smoking in their main car, up from 71% in September 2011.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second hand smoke which is associated with a multitude of child health problems including sudden infant death, lower respiratory infection, middle ear disease, asthma and meningitis.

The ‘Smoking in cars carrying children: monitoring public attitudes’ report found that the vast majority of respondents, around 90%, agreed that second-hand smoke can harm health, that parental smoking can harm health and that parents shouldn’t smoke in front of their children. The research suggests that while people think it should be their decision, most appear to be supportive, with 82% agreeing that smoking should be banned in cars carrying children and 48% that smoking should be banned completely in cars.

Dr Ruth Hussey the Chief Medical Officer for Wales said,

“It is clear from the report that a vast majority of adults are now aware of the dangers of second hand smoke and the health hazards it can cause to children.

“The research has provided us with valuable insights into public attitudes on this important subject and it is encouraging to see that people have taken action themselves and there is an increase in the amount of people who do not allow smoking in their car.”

A publicity campaign, Fresh Start Wales, has been running since February 2012 and aims to highlight the health hazards  of second hand smoke on children.