Smokefree families voluntary pledge

THE Warrington Smokefree Families Voluntary Pledge Scheme has been officially launched at The Orchards Children’s centre, Hilden Road.
Aim of this new initiative is to raise awareness of the dangers of children’s exposure to second hand smoke in enclosed spaces like homes and cars.
Children and babies are more sensitive to smoke and its effects than adults because their bodies are still developing and the smoke contains poisonous gases, tar and thousands of toxic chemicals.
Even if the room or car does not look smoky the danger is still real and present – 85 per cent of second hand smoke is invisible to the eye and nose.
Coun Mike Biggin, the borough council’s executive member for climate change and public protection said: “Smoking in homes and cars can have serious consequences for those children exposed to second hand smoke and results in 300,000 extra child visits to GPs in the UK every year for problems such as asthma and bacterial meningitis.
“Smoking around children also increases the likelihood that they will become smokers themselves so I welcome this initiative because it raises awareness of the dangers from exposure to tobacco smoke as well as promoting the benefits of growing up in a smokefree environment.”
A pilot scheme will run for three months at the centre and the team aims to register 50 homes on the scheme during that time. Smokers and non-smokers are encouraged to get in touch.
Those families that register on to the scheme will receive a free goodie bag and a certificate as well as information on the benefits of having a “smokefree home.”
More details are available on 01925 442096.