13 October 2015
Parents in the Borders are being asked to take smoking right outside as national statistics reveal that 11% of children in Scotland are still being exposed to second-hand smoke within the home.
A recent Scottish study found that the smoke you breathe out can linger in the air for up to five hours. You can't see or smell it but it's there. This means it will still be there when your children come home from school and because it's made up of particles that are smaller than household dust, it moves easily from room to room. Even if you smoke in a different room, open a window or smoke at the open back door it's not enough to protect your children.
NHS Borders fully supports the Scottish Government ‘Take it Right Outside’ campaign which highlights the dangers of smoking indoors. The campaign roadshow is touring communities across Scotland and will be at Asda in Galashiels on Sunday 25th October from 10:30am – 6pm. Parents are invited to come along for advice and information on the best ways to protect their children from second-hand smoke.
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Interim Director of Public Health, NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council said: “Children are more vulnerable to second-hand smoke than adults; they have smaller airways, breathe faster, and their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Finding a way to quit or smoking outside is the only way to ensure your children are protected.”
For help and advice on how to take smoking right outside, visit www.rightoutside.org. Or visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk for more information about quitting smoking on the Quit4Good page.