An Experimental Investigation of Tobacco Smoke Pollution in Cars

This report presents the findings of a study examining levels of Tobacco Smoke Pollution in cars (TSP, also known as second-hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke). TSP has been identified as a serious public health threat. Although there has been a rapid increase in the number of jurisdictions that now prohibit smoking in public places, to date, there have been just a few successful attempts to pass similar laws prohibiting smoking in cars, where the small cabin space may contribute to concentrated exposure. In particular, TSP constitutes a potentially serious health hazard to children because of prolonged exposure and because of their small size. Evidence on the levels of TSP in cars is needed to determine whether laws prohibiting smoking in cars, particularly in the presence of children, are warranted. The objective of this study was to identify levels of TSP in cars via the measurement of fine respirable particles (< 2.5 microns in diameter, or PM2.5), an established marker for TSP, easily inhaled deep into the lungs. A second objective was to measure levels of TSP in cars under varying conditions to determine how differences in ventilation and air flow might reduce TSP.