UCF Focuses On Kids Passive Smoking

A major campaign by cancer charities is focusing on the danger passive smoking poses to children.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has warned that infants and children are more vulnerable to the poisons in tobacco smoke than adults because they breathe faster and are generally more physically active. Children therefore inhale more toxins per unit of body weight than adults. Also, these chemicals remain in a child's system for longer periods of time.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said: "A smoke-free childhood is crucial to nurturing a healthy start for children and reducing their risk of cancer. Direct parental involvement is key to protecting the very young.

“Infants and toddlers are less able to move away from the source of the smoke than adults or older children and may be exposed to secondhand smoke for longer periods of time and at greater intensity. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and even brief exposure can be harmful.

"Adults are now protected at work and in public places but too many children are still exposed to unacceptable health risks in their own home.

"It's staggering to think that 4 in 10 children in the UK will grow up in smoking homes and every year 17,000 children under five are admitted to hospital due to passive smoking,"

said Mr McElwee.

The UCF and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) - a global consortium of cancer organisations - will lead a year-long effort to promote smoke-free environments for children.

The 'I love my smoke-free childhood' has these core messages for adults:

• Avoid smoking at home or in a car
• Advise children to stay away from second-hand smoke
• Teach children there is no safe level of second-hand smoke
• Do not smoke while pregnant or in the vicinity of someone who is pregnant
• If you are a smoker, ask for support to stop
• Become a role model for your child - do not smoke.

Secondhand smoke is comprised of more than 4,000 chemicals including more than 60 compounds known to cause cancer.

UCF has highlighted that smoking exposes infants and children to chronic health risks including: low birth weight in newborns; harms lung development; and is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma, coughing and wheezing.

The campaign will underscore the serious health threat to children and the need for adults to protect the young from secondhand smoke.

As part of the campaign, UCF will be promoting its Smokebusters initiative - an exclusive club for children who have chosen to reject smoking and promote health in their day-to-day lives.

Last year nearly 30,000 schoolchildren became Smokebusters in Northern Ireland.

(SP)