Nearly half (48%) of people in North Kirklees are unaware of the huge impact smoking in the home can have on children’s health according to new research out this week from the DPP: (Developing Patient Partnerships).

Not only do children suffer the harmful effects of passive smoking, but the children of smokers are also more likely to start smoking themselves than those of non-smokers.

The findings come as part of a research exercise for the DPP to establish attitudes of the British population towards smoking in the home and the impact on the health of the family. The findings show that 72 per cent of people, including smokers, believe that smoking should be restricted in households with children.

These detailed findings have prompted North Kirklees Primary Care Trust (PCT) to team up with the DPP to launch the ‘Driving out Smoking’ campaign to encourage people to think about the impact smoking has the home of their family. The campaign, which was launched last month, offers smokers and their loved ones practical advice about how they can work together to drive smoke out of their homes and improve the health of the family.

The campaign features a game card which gives practical tips for the person stopping smoking and for their support network plus incentives to promote healthy lifestyles for the family to help detract from smoking. The beneficial effects on the body from giving up smoking are clearly highlighted along with harder hitting information on the impact of passive smoking.

Sue Jones, tobacco control advisor at North Kirklees PCT, said: “passive smoking harms everyone, especially the people smoker’s care about most.”

“There are enormous benefits to stopping smoking and the effect on people’s health is immediate and long-term as well as for their family, friends and colleagues. Having a healthier lifestyle will benefit all the family and help reinforce the positive effects of quitting,” said Sue.
Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH, commented: “ASH welcomes the campaign to raise awareness about the health hazards of smoking in the home. Although knowledge about the dangers of passive smoking is growing, many people underestimate the harm that it causes, especially to children. The only way for parents to protect their children from tobacco smoke is by making their homes entirely smoke free.
“This survey also highlights the need for workplace smoking bans as people who work in a smoke free environment are also more likely to make their homes smoke free.”

Copies of the game card can be obtained from the local NHS Stop Smoking Services, GP practice or pharmacy for the duration of the campaign.

North Kirklees Stop Smoking Service on 01924 512079.