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Children smoking shock figures

Shocking figures reveal nine per cent of children aged eight to 15 are taking up smoking in the North West. The figures, released by Smokefree North West reveal that 63,000 children aged eight to 15 and 380,000 14 to 17-year-olds, smoke. Research also revealed that every year in the region, 180 children die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, with an estimated 25 of these deaths caused by exposure to second-hand smoke, either before or after birth.

A poll, conducted on behalf of Smokefree North West, demonstrated strong public support for further measures to protect children and a crackdown on tobacco smuggling, with 93% supported fining retailers who sell to under age smokers. The poll also found 89% agreed with banning retailers from selling tobacco if convicted of selling to under age smokers and around 81 per cent agreed with a ban on smoking in cars with passengers aged under 18.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital found there were large numbers of children being admitted with Bronchiolitis, estimating out of every 100 admitted, 20 to 25 of these admissions were due to exposure to second-hand smoke. Janet Atherton, chairman of Smokefree North West, said: "The research demonstrates that the region is behind measures to protect children from tobacco and it's effects. We have the opportunity to develop a 10-year tobacco strategy which will form a strong platform on which to achieve a tobacco free future for our children."

Dr Alex Turnbull, GP locum for Wigan, said: "I am absolutely behind any campaign about smoking. There is still far too much smoking going on and there is a lot of help available in GP surgeries and specialist services in assisting people to stop smoking so that is not the problem. It's getting people to realise the risk of smoking. There is still a general lack of knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking, in particular regarding children and babies. The rates of smoking in pregnancy has improved but it could still be better. If you give up smoking at the start of pregnancy there is a good chance not return smoking when the baby is born. Any national advertising campaign is well worthwhile."

Source: wigantoday.net, 17th June 2008
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