Do smoke-free car laws work? Evidence from a quasi-experiment

J Health Econ. 2013 Jan;32(1):138-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2012.10.003. Epub 2012 Oct 24.

Abstract

In response to increased risks of second-hand smoke exposure for children travelling in cars and its resulting deleterious health impacts, several jurisdictions passed legislation that bans smoking in private vehicles when children are present. In this study, I exploit a unique quasi-experiment from Canada and employ the difference-in-differences and triple-differences techniques to empirically evaluate this legislation. I find that the legislation reduces exposure to second-hand smoke inside cars for children. Further, there appears no marked increase in smoking at home after the implementation of the legislation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Automobiles / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Canada
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution