RCN Backs Call To Protect Children From Second-hand Smoke, UK

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 17 Jun 2010 - 1:00 PDT


The Royal College of Nursing yesterday welcomed the launch of the British Lung Foundation's (BLF) campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of passive smoking. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:

"Nurses will welcome the BLF's campaign to raise awareness about the health risks of second-hand smoke. The best way to protect children and babies from passive smoking is to help every adult understand the dangers of second-hand smoke so they will change their own behaviour. The regular and direct contact nurses have with patients mean they are ideally placed to discuss these risks with smokers and to help them to kick the habit.

"Smoking around children, especially in confined spaces like cars, causes serious damage and we're pleased to learn that the vast majority of parents support the principle that adults should not smoke in cars carrying children. However, it is deeply concerning that a minority are still doing so and some are failing to grasp just how serious the risks of second-hand smoke can be for children and babies. The BLF's petition is a good way of stimulating debate about smoking in cars and building public consensus on how children and babies can best be protected."

Source
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

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