Nov 9 2011 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press
A NEW initiative to prevent people smoking around babies and children has been launched in the greater Shotts area.
“Smoke Free Homes and Cars Lanarkshire” is being led by volunteers from the town and surrounding villages and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke and support people who are determined to have smoke-free homes and cars.
Johanna Murphy, Development Worker, said: “by not allowing smoking around babies and children, many illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and glue ear can be prevented.
“Second-hand smoke is the smoke a smoker blows in to the air and that comes from the end of a burning cigarette.
“it contains over 4000 chemicals and poisonous gases and is more perilous than the smoke which the smoker inhales as it has not been filtered.
“When breathed in by babies and children, whose lungs are still developing, it can lead to serious childhood illnesses and has been linked to cot death.
“The smoke also spreads around the home, sticking to clothes, walls, furniture and carpets.
“many parents and carers are not aware of the specific health risks. by raising their awareness, showing how they can easily reduce the risks, and offering support to make it work, we can protect vulnerable babies and children from harm, as well as improve the home environment.”
Parents and carers will be questioned to sign up to make some simple pledges, such as I choose not to smoke in front of my children; I choose never to smoke in my child’s bedroom; I choose to have a smoke-free home; I choose to smoke in one room only; I choose to have a smoke-free car.
Volunteers will provide information, recruit people to sign up to change and provide support to help them achieve their goals.
In addition, families can have home fire safety visits and if smokers want help to quit, local ‘stop smoking’ support can be arranged.