Over 800 children visit their doctor everyday due to the serious side effects of second hand smoking according to research published by the Royal College of Physicians. The figures have been highlighted today, as part of a government campaign to increase awareness to the dangers of smoking within confined spaces.
With over 80% of second hand smoke being invisible and odourless, it has come as no surprise that the government is launching a new campaign against this silent killer. When you also couple this with the fact they contain harmful cancer-causing toxins and poisons, the statistics become all the more worrying.
TV adverts, which show that smoking out of a car window or the backdoor is safe, are coming under scrutiny as it becomes more than obvious this is not enough to protect children from second hand smoke.
Every day millions of children from across the UK are exposed to second hand smoke, which puts them at greater risk of lung disease, meningitis and cot death. Treatment costs amassing from hospital and GP visits looking at second hand smoke related illnesses cost the NHS more than £23.6 million each year.
The new plan looks at absolutely eradicating smoke from the home, as it seems to be the only concrete way of completely protecting people from second hand smoke. As the campaign launches, a new survey highlights that despite the risks, many children are still exposed to second hand smoke. As many as 68% of parents admitting they do so in the car with their children and 75% were shocked at the number of children affected each year.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “It’s well known that smoking kills, but many smokers still don’t realise the damage their smoke causes to those around them. Second hand smoke can be an invisible killer and with more than 300,000 people seeing their GP each year because of it, we need to make sure people know how dangerous it can be. Our message is clear: giving up smoking is by far the best way to protect your family and we can help you quit to give you and your loved ones a healthier future.”
Dr Harpal Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK said: “The evidence is clear. Smoking around children is harmful, especially in homes and cars, so it’s vital they are protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Raising awareness of the dangers, providing information and supporting parents to make healthy choices are the first steps towards this. We hope this campaign helps bring attention to this and encourages parents and all adults to protect their families and make their homes and cars smoke free.”
Smokers can visit nhs.uk/smokefree to order a free Smoke free Kit. Facts, tips and tools are also available on the site to help them on the way to a smoke free future.
