Protecting children from smoke in homes and cars
Smokers across the North East are being urged to protect their children’s health from the hidden dangers of secondhand smoke in homes and cars, as part of a new campaign from Public Health England.
The campaign, backed by Fresh, follows the passing of regulations by Parliament to end smoking in cars carrying children in England which has also been supported by North East councils.
Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to children as they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways than adults. Despite the risks, children’s exposure to secondhand smoke results in more than 13,000 GP consultations and hospital admissions every year in the North East.
A survey conducted by Fresh found that almost one in five North East smokers (18%) aged 25-50 admitted they still smoke in the car around children and nearly one in three (29%) admitted they smoke around children in the house.
Many smokers are horrified when they learn about the poisons in smoke. A child breathing in the 4,000 toxic chemicals found in secondhand smoke is at risk of developing serious conditions such as respiratory infections and meningitis, and triggering asthma.
Lisa Surtees, Acting Director of Fresh said:”It is really important we give children legal protection from smoking in cars. Breathing in smoke is not their choice and children’s developing lungs are especially vulnerable to smoke. We know most children exposed to smoke hate it, but often feel powerless to ask people to stop.
“Too many children in the North East are exposed to smoke, leading to short term health problems like asthma and glue-ear, headaches, coughs and nausea. Even opening a window in the car or smoking in another room in the house does not protect from the poisons in tobacco smoke, which can linger for a long time after you can see it or smell it.
“This law is a victory for children’s health. It will send a clear message that smoke is harmful and, like the smokefree law, we believe it will be largely self-enforcing.”
Last summer, Fresh, the Association of North East Councils, the Northern Clinical Networks, local authorities and NHS Foundation Trusts all responded to the national consultation on smoking in cars carrying children arguing that a law was needed, popular and workable.
A poll conducted by YouGov last year found that 84% of North East adults agreed smoking should be prohibited in cars carrying children younger than 18.
It is estimated that three million children in England are exposed to secondhand smoke in their family car. The government and public health professionals see this vote as a significant milestone in protecting children from the health risks of secondhand smoke.
The law will come into force on 1 October 2015, and people failing to comply could face a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer said:”The passing of regulations to make smoking in cars carrying under 18s illegal is a significant victory for protecting children’s health from secondhand smoke. Smoking just a single cigarette in a car exposes children to high levels of air pollutants and cancer causing chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde and tar.
“Children are least equipped to speak out to protest against secondhand smoke, so I welcome this legislation to end smoking in cars when they are present.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director for Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England added:”Many parents aren’t aware that over 80% of secondhand smoke is invisible and odourless. Our campaign shows parents what is really there and brings to life that no matter how careful you are, children still breathe in harmful poisons. A completely smokefree home and car is a strong and positive step towards protecting the health of our children.”
Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “After years of campaigning on this issue, we could not be more delighted by the government’s commitment to help stop smoking in cars with children present.
“With so many children being exposed to secondhand smoke in the family car every week in the UK, we are certain that this measure will prove to be one of the most significant moments for public health since the smokefree legislation of 2007.”
The Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign features advertising on TV, radio and online from 9 February 2015. It highlights that many parents are often unaware of the damage smoking in the home and car causes to children’s health, and encourages them to quit.
Smokers can search ‘smokefree’ or visit nhs.uk/smokefree for a range of free support and quitting advice, including the Smokefree app and Quit Kit.
If you want to quit, you’re up to four times more likely to succeed with local NHS Stop Smoking Service support.
For help to quit see your local pharmacy or GP, visit nhs.uk/smokefree or call your local NHS Stop Smoking Service on one of the following numbers:
Newcastle NHS Stop Smoking Service
0191 229 2911
Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service
0800 531 6317
Northumberland NHS Stop Smoking Service
01670 813 135
North Tyneside NHS Stop Smoking Service
0345 2000 101
County Durham NHS Stop Smoking Service
0800 011 3405
Darlington NHS Stop Smoke Service
0300 123 1044 (national quit line only)
Tees NHS Stop Smoking Service (Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Hartlepool)
01642 383819
Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Stop Smoking Service
0800 531 6317