Protect loved ones from secondhand smoke

Health advisors in Somerset are reminding smokers that even if they are not ready to quit the habit they ought to protect their family and loved ones from their secondhand smoke.

Since 1 July 2007, smoking has been banned in all indoor public places and workplaces throughout the UK, protecting many adults from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The health benefits are already beginning to be felt, particularly amongst those working in pubs, clubs and restaurants. However, it is estimated that about 40% of children in UK households – i.e. around five million – are exposed to secondhand smoke in the home. Unlike adults, children have little control over the extent of such exposure.

Other people's tobacco smoke can cause a wide range of health problems.

Among children, secondhand smoke has been strongly linked to an increased risk of chest infections (including pneumonia and bronchitis, sometimes leading to emergency hospital admission), asthma attacks, glue-ear and middle-ear infection, reduced lung function, and sudden infant death syndrome (‘cot death’).

As well as the adverse health impacts of secondhand smoke, children whose parents smoke are around three times more likely to become smokers themselves.

The only sure way to protect children from secondhand smoke is by not smoking in the home, car or other enclosed space. Simply opening windows or smoking in another room does not offer sufficient protection.

The Smokefree Somerset Alliance has launched a Smokefree Homes and Cars project to help parents who smoke to make their homes smokefree and encourage them to always smoke outside.

Smokefree Families adviser, Tracey Hellyar, says: “Giving up smoking altogether is never easy but the next best thing parents can do is to make sure that they never smoke in confined spaces where concentrated smoke can cause so much damage to young hearts and lungs. As parents you can choose whether you smoke or not, but children do not have that choice. Protect your loved ones, always smoke outside.”

For more information about the smokefree homes and cars campaign, email smokefreehomes@somerset.nhs.uk or visit their web site at: somerset.nhs.uk/smokefreehomes