Wed, 22 Jun 2005
Driving out smoking
Lack of awareness about the dangers of smoking in the home could put children’s lives at risk.Nearly half (48%) of people are unaware that the impact on children’s health from smoking in the home is twofold according to new research from the DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP). Not only do children suffer the harmful effects of passive smoking, but the children of smokers are also more likely to start smoking themselves than those of non-smokers.
The findings come as part of a research exercise for the DPP to establish attitudes of the British population towards smoking in the home and the impact on the health of the family. The findings show that most people (72%), including smokers (65%) believe that smoking should be banned in households with children.
Further investigation shows that the vast majority of smokers and non-smokers are unaware of how rapidly health improves when quitting with only 9% able to give the correct amount of time, of 20 minutes, that it takes for the body to start benefiting. Most people (66%) believe that employers should offer smokers support to give up.
In light of the current pressure on the Government for an outright ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces the DPP is launching the ‘Driving out Smoking’ campaign to encourage people to think about the impact of smoking in the home on their family. The campaign offers smokers and their loved ones practical advice about how they can work together to drive smoke out of their homes and improve the health of the family.
Dr Terry John, DPP spokesman and GP said
"Public support for banning smoking in the workplace suggests that we value the right for people not to have their health threatened by other people’s smoke. Children are even more vulnerable to passive smoking than adults and yet 42% of children live in homes with at least one smoker and a third smoke around children.
These results show how strongly people feel about smoking around children in the home. We want to help people to make the decision themselves about stopping smoking. Parents need practical help that shows the positive side of quitting and encouraging the whole family to get healthy together rather than a law forcing them not to smoke at home.
Our research shows how much people welcome positive support such as the ‘Driving Out Smoking’ wall-chart produced for this campaign and the vast majority (66%) would like to get this kind of help from their employers. This is why we want to see this sort of resource available to smokers from health services and through workplaces."
Supporting the campaign, Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH commented:
"ASH welcomes the campaign to raise awareness about the health hazards of smoking in the home. Although knowledge about the dangers of passive smoking is growing, many people underestimate the harm that it causes, especially to children. The only way for parents to protect their children from tobacco smoke is by making their homes entirely smokefree.
This survey also highlights the need for workplace smoking bans as people who work in a smokefree environment are also more likely to make their homes smokefree."
Notes to editors
- ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1275 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 1-6 June 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
- DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations and the public to make the most of health services and help people manage their health by improving health knowledge and communication. For more information visit www.dpp.org.uk
Regional Statistics PDF Download
Key Statistics (31k)