Restricting Smoking in Vehicles

Restricting Smoking in Vehicles

It is true that the public is increasingly becoming aware of the lacking safe level on second-hand smoke exposure. However, nurses should take an initiative to educate the public and to advocate for the introduction of legislations that minimize exposure in vehicles. In the United States alone, several communities have little knowledge on how a smoking adult can expose their children to SHS (second-hand smoke), especially if they do it in the vehicle. As a result, some careless adults continue this harmful behavior without restriction (Letherdale et al., 2013). Unless the society and the government express determination to eliminate the habit, a significant number of non-smokers and children will suffer from diseases such as lung and throat cancers.

            Launching an aggressive campaign to address the issue is necessary. Provision 7 of the nurses’ code of ethics grants the caregivers a permission to assist in the professional advancement by contributing to the society through the development of knowledge, improving the practice, and educating the public (Fowler & American Nurses Association, 2012). Following this directive, I am obliged to participate actively in the campaign to restrict adults from smoking in their cars. Additionally, I will engage in civic activities to rally for support of my cause. As a first step, I will encourage smokers not to smoke in confined spaces of their vehicles, especially in the presence of their children to avoid the potential extreme health hazards.  

            Furthermore, according to provision number 8 and 9, it is ethical for nurses to collaborate with health professionals and the public to promote international and national measures for a healthy society. Considering this, I plan to inform the members of my community (with the help of my colleagues) that smoking in an enclosed space exposes vehicle occupants to toxic fumes several times higher that the recommended air quality by the EPA.  Recent studies indicate that children are still vulnerable and exposed even when the car windows are rolled down.

Understandably, the introduction of rules and regulations is not enough as a strategy to effectively eliminate smoking in cars. Therefore, any smoke-free Vehicle campaign ought to be accompanied by a strong awareness creation effort to emphasize on health perils in smoke-filled environments. Campaigns such as this are useful in decision making regarding forms of smoking that harm people in the surrounding. Several dilemmas can arise during the course of the campaign, for instance, the ways to handle smokers that resist the campaign proposals. Of keen to note is that the campaign is voluntary, thus taking a hard stance during the process can result in a public backlash and stronger resistance to change. Resolving these dilemmas calls for consideration of the long-term effect of the choices made. The core aim is to minimize the overall negative effect of the decisions for the program to succeed.

There are multiple lobby laws and ethics applicable in my advocacy campaign. For example, the members of my team must demonstrate a high level of responsibility to paint an image that can be emulated by the public. Moreover, the law enforcement agency and the local authorities must play their roles to ensure enforcement and compliance with state laws on smoking. Most importantly, the team must consider the public opinion to guarantee full support of the proposed campaign measures. On the other hand, ethical challenges unique to the population include poor education, lack of awareness, and prevalence of violence and crime.

            In summary, the introduction of laws to ban smoking in cars, especially in the presence of underage children, should become an agenda of the government and local authorities. Nurses can introduce a campaign to educate the public on health hazards of smoking to third parties. However, ethical measures should be adhered to in the process to ensure a successful elimination of this harmful Practice.

References

Fowler, M. D. M., & American Nurses Association. (2012). Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses: Interpretation And Application. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.

Leatherdale, S. T., Smith, P., & Ahmed, R. (2013). Youth Exposure to Smoking in the Home and in Cars: How Often Does it Happen and What Do Youth Think About It?. Tobacco Control, 17(2), 86-92.