Don't expose your child to smoke in cars or at home
Portsmouth has launched a new campaign before the law to ban smoking in cars with children is enforced.
The legislation has been passed by parliament and will come into effect in October 2015. Due to the effects of second hand smoke, it bans people smoking in cars with passengers of 18 years or younger.
Dr Janet Maxwell, public health director, said: ‘Over 80% of cigarette smoke is invisible, and opening windows and doors does not remove its harmful effect’
‘Young people are more susceptible to the physical effects of smoking as their bodies are not yet fully developed – this includes increased risk of cot death for babies, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
’Along with the health risks, children whose parents smoke are also more likely to take additional time off school due to coughs and colds.’
Public Health England has launched a nationwide campaign to educate people on the dangers of smoking at home and in cars on children’s health to reinforce the new law.
Chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, said: ‘The passing of regulation to make smoking in cars carrying under 18s illegal is a significant victory for protecting children's health from second hand 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 second hand smoke, so I welcome this legislation to end smoking in cars when they are present.’