Smoke free Mumbai – What Taxi drivers

think???Prakash C. Gupta

Director, Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health

on behalf of Smokefree Mumbai

The most common and most harmful exposure to toxic and carcinogenetic chemicals is from second-hand tobacco smoke.

Tobacco control law in India mandates all public places to be smoke-free including Public Transportation Vehicles.

Smokefree Mumbai is working with taxi drivers of Mumbai to help them making their taxis smokefree.

But what would Mumbai Taxi Drivers think of the initiative?

Here is the report of a survey among taxi drivers of Mumbai

Survey done at 7 major taxi stands during May 16-20, 2011:

Sample size – 298 TaxisAge group – 20-68 Years

51% <40 years 19% > 50 years

Tobacco Use – 18% Smoker37%

Smokeless tobacco

Taxi drivers consider smoking harmful to -

a. self – 92%b. Others – 92%

Law banning smoking in taxis is useful – 96% (95% among smokers and 99% non- users of tobacco).

Already aware of ban – 44%Knew the exact fine amount (Rs 200) -33%

No Smoking stickers in taxis – 14%

Exposure to second hand smokers a. 6-10 passengers smoked everyday – 43%

b. > 10 passengers smoked everyday – 36%

Action currentlya. Ignored – 26%b. Requested – 70%

ConclusionsAlmost all taxi drivers are exposed to secondhand smoke on their job.

Almost all taxi drivers (even those smoke, 95% of them) consider banning smoking in taxi useful.

Only 14% taxis currently have ‘No smoking’ stickers among them.

Smoke free Mumbai plans to facilitate ‘No Smoking’ stickers among all taxis and empower taxi drivers not to be exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke

Thank You!!!