Blow pipes made of wood pulp or bamboo powder are in use by Vietnamese traffic police in a pilot program in a supplied photo. (Source: tuoitrenews.vn)

This piece of information was provided on December 23 by Colonel Do Thanh Binh, deputy director of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

The eco-friendly blow pipe is a hollow pipe about ten centimeters in length whose shape is similar to a standard plastic one.

“This product is easy to decompose and environmentally friendly," Colonel Binh told Tuoitrenews.

“So far, the trial program has showed that this type of pipe can meet standards on safety and return accurate alcohol content measurement results."

Binh said the Ministry of Health recommended that drivers should use their own blow pipes to prevent potential health risks.

“If plastic pipes are used, a large amount of plastic waste, which is difficult to decompose, will be discharged directly into the environment every year. So, the alternatives made of wood pulp or bamboo powder will solve this problem," Binh said.