Children's health at risk from passive smoke

Passive smoking in the home is a major hazard to the health of millions of children in the UK.

That is according to a new report from the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians, which found about two million children currently live in a household where they are exposed to cigarette smoke.

Each year, these cases generate more than 300,000 GP consultations and about 9,500 hospital admissions nationwide.

Martin Dockrell, director of research and policy at public health charity ASH, said: "Over the last five years we have seen a tremendous increase in smoke free homes.

"In cars and enclosed spaces, people understand that smoking causes direct harm to a child's health. Increasingly, there is this view among smokers and non-smokers alike that you shouldn't smoke around children."

Health problems associated with passive smoking include lower respiratory tract infections, asthma and bacterial meningitis.

Brits who smoke can also expect to pay higher premiums on their health insurance policies.

ASH recently reported that raising tobacco prices through taxation by five per cent above inflation will cut the number of smokers by 190,000.

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