Smoke-free home and smoke-free car campaign
A campaign was launched today (Tuesday 11th May) that aims to improve the health of the Highland population by discouraging people from smoking in their home and car.
The Smoke-Free Home and Smoke-Free Car Project is run by NHS Highland in partnership with The Highland Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and The Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service and involves smokers and non-smokers promising to make part or their entire home smoke-free for themselves, their family and friends.
Dr Margaret Somerville, Director of Public Health at NHS Highland said: “One of the best things a parent can do for their children’s health is make their home and family car smoke-free.
“Second-hand smoke is the smoke breathed in from other people smoking. Babies and children are particularly affected by this as they breathe deeper and faster therefore take in more smoke. Also, because their vital organs are still developing they are more likely to be damaged by the 4,000 chemicals in any one cigarette.
“Research has shown that babies and children exposed to a smoky atmosphere in the home suffer more from asthma and chest infections. They are more likely than those not exposed to smoke in the home to need hospital care and to lose time from school”.
Susan Birse Health Promotion Specialist in Tobacco Control said: “Children breathe in second-hand smoke at home more than any other place and by keeping your home and family car smoke-free you can reduce this exposure.
“A smoke-free home can also help smokers quit and can reduce the risk of children and young people becoming smokers.
“We know that parents want to give their children the very best start in life so we hope this campaign will encourage and support smokers to alter their smoking habits around children, young people and pregnant mothers in both their home and family car.”
Free resources bearing the Smoke-Free Home and Smoke-Free Car logo are available by calling the Smoke-Free Homes line – and residents are being urged to display them in a prominent place.
Campaign co-ordinator Denise May knows how hard it can be to tell family and friends that you don’t want them smoking in your home. She said: “Perhaps you’ve let people smoke in your home in the past, so you might find it difficult to ask them to stop, but by displaying these resources in a prominent position, your visitors will understand that you want your home to be a cigarette-free zone and will be happy to respect your wishes.”
Highland & Islands Fire & Rescue Service are very proud to be partners in this very relevant campaign. Scott Hay, Head of Community Risk Management for the Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service, said: “A large percentage of domestic fires where people have died were caused by smoking materials starting the fire.
A recent survey carried out in Scotland (Scotland Together) reported that of the 131 accidental fire deaths in Scotland in 2009, the single highest identified cause was attributed to smokers’ materials. We would strongly encourage smokers to smoke outside and use ashtrays with a wide, stable base that won’t tip over.”
Louise Jones, The Highland Council’s Health Promoting Schools Manager, said: "The Highland Council are committed to achieving a healthier and safer Highland and are pleased to work in partnership with NHS Highland and The Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service in promoting this very worthwhile campaign."
Anyone who’d like advice or a free Smoke-Free Homes pack to get them started can contact the Smoke-Free Homes line on: LO-CALL 0845 7573077.
If you would like help or more information to give up smoking, you can contact Highland Smoking Cessation Service on Tel: 0800 84 84 84 or visit www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk