The UK, but currently Wales in particular, is looking at extending its smoking legislation to encompass people who smoke in their cars. Their own cars that is. It is particularly with children in mind. Look at the image above and you know that is wrong. Smoking in the close environment of a car with a young baby asleep. Wrong.
However many right-minded people do still smoke in an enclosed space with a child close at hand. The latest research has shown that opening a car window does not help. Researchers say that is because the smoke lingers. But is it also likely that the pollution from the air outside the car would be more harmful than the air inside? Is this proposed legislation a step too far? Initially the authorities are talking about cars which have children as passengers. Even if you do not smoke when the child is on board the effects of previous cigarettes could take their toll. However, it seems that we are isolating smokers to the extent that we may as well make the habit illegal. If we did smokers would get help and probably be treat more sympathetically. We tend to treat drug abusers better, in many ways, than we do smokers. Perhaps we could look at legislation to curb the air pollution we are all suffering, especially in cities. That seems a logical step too. In fact it is probably a vital step toward better health. Instead next we will no doubt ban a person holding their child's hand as they walk down the street. That is if they are smoking a cigarette at the same time. Yes passive smoking is harmful but is more legislation necessary? You decide. With Bristol becoming the first UK city to create smoking free zones outdoors this month also it looks like no-hiding place for smokers.
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