 Smokefree homes and cars
Smokefree Homes and Cars is a national campaign that reminds smokers about
the dangers of secondhand smoke to their children and families.
Over 80%
of second hand smoke is invisible and odourless, making it impossible to
control. So, even if you smoke near an open window or door, the smoke can
travel and harm others. Exposure to second hand smoke is particularly
harmful to babies and children.
The local campaign is for all residents living
in Hertfordshire, not just for smokers, to sign a pledge agreeing to have a
smokefree home and car.
Why is it important?
- 95% of estimated deaths from second hand smoke are due to exposure in the home.
- Children whose parents
smoke are three times more likely to start smoking themselves than children
whose parents don’t smoke.
- Pregnant women and their
families who smoke increase the risk of miscarriage, still birth and death in
the first few months of life.
- Smoking within the home is a significant fire risk.
Make the pledge today!
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Regulations to prohibit smoking in cars when children are present passed into law
In February, MPs approved regulations that will forbid anyone from smoking in a car when children are present.
The measure will come into force on 1 October 2015. This will go a long way towards protecting vunerable children from the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke, which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory disorders.
According to the British Lung Foundation (BLF), around 430,000 children are exposed to second hand smoke in their family car every week. A BLF survey in 2011 found that 86% of children said they wanted action to be taken to protect them from cigarette smoke when they are in the car.
Prohibiting smoking in cars has widespread public support from smokers as well as non-smokers.
Free support to stop smoking
For free, friendly, specialist advice about quitting, contact Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service.
Your free local stop smoking service has been developed by experts and ex-smokers, and with their support you are up to four times more likely to quit than if you choose to go it alone. In fact nine out of 10 smokers who have used the service would recommend it.
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