SMOKERS within the Forth Valley area are being targeted as part of a new campaign aimed at sparing children from exposure to second-hand smoke, writes Michelle Henderson.
This new campaign is being introduced to convince people to take smoking right outside of the house or car for the sake of their children. This comes as new research has been released showing that harmful chemicals in second-hand smoke linger and travel for up to five hours after visible smoke disappears.
Recent statistics have shown that 85 per cent of second-hand smoke is visible and odourless and many are unaware that smoking indoors, at an open window or at the back door, isn’t enough to protect children, as the chemicals easily drift around the home.
Gillian Bruce, NHS Forth Valley Stop Smoking Co-ordinator said, “Obviously all parents want the best for their child and we are pleased that the second hand smoke campaign is highlighting the dangers of smoke that lingers.’ The campaign will give people who smoke the facts, helping them understand how smoking indoors pollutes the air their family breathes and how they can take simple steps to make their home and car smoke-free.
Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said: “As we move towards creating a tobacco-free generation, we want to give every child in Scotland the chance to grow-up in a smoke-free environment. -This campaign isn’t about a person’s choice to smoke, it’s about people who smoke having the facts so they can smoke in a way that doesn’t harm their children.” It is estimated that second-hand smoke exposure in UK children each year causes over 20,000 cases of lower respiratory tract infection, 120,000 cases of middle ear disease, at least 22,000 new cases of wheeze and asthma, 200 cases of bacterial meningitis and 40 sudden infant deaths; one in five of all cot deaths.
Michael added: “The reality is that many think they’re already doing enough, without realising that the harmful chemicals from second-hand smoke linger, even when there is no smell and it can’t be seen. Because children’s immune systems aren’t fully developed and they breathe quicker than adults, the simple fact is that smoking in the home or car puts children of all ages at risk.” For more help and advice on how to go about this, visit www.rightoutside.org
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