[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 (PM2.5) concentrations were measured at front and rear seats. RESULTS The concentration of PM2.5 reached 3,500 μg/m3 with all windows closed and decreased to approximately 3,000 μg/m3 when driver's window and passengers' windows were opened by 10 cm. However, the PM2.5 concentration did not decrease to levels below 1,500 μg/m3 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.