Help children exposed to cigarette smoke in cars
Research shows that more than half of children in the UK have been exposed to cigarette smoke while travelling in a car. Smoking in a vehicle is particularly dangerous for child passengers as their lungs are still developing – and they are less likely to speak up and object.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a smoker, ex-smoker or non-smoker – make a pledge to keep your car smoke-free when children are travelling with you.
British Lung Foundation (BLF) research has found that more than half (51%) of eight to 15 year olds have been exposed to cigarette smoke when confined in a car.
This is very worrying given that smoking just one cigarette in the car, even with the window open, creates a greater concentration of second-hand smoke than a whole evening's smoking in a pub.
The BLF is helping to support the 86 per cent of children across Great Britain who want to put a stop to people smoking when they are confined in the car. More than 15,000 people have already signed our petition calling for government action. If you want to give children a voice to enable them to breathe clean air when confined in a car then email your MP or MSP now.
Wales was the first country in the UK to vote to restrict smoking in public places, BLF Wales is campaigning for the Welsh Assembly to introduce legislation on smoking in cars.
Lynn's story
Lynn, 53, is in the final stages of lung disease. She has never smoked a cigarette in her life but her parents smoked more than 60 cigarettes a day throughout her childhood, unaware of the dangers of passive smoking. She is just one of thousands of passive smoking victims every year.
Lynn is determined to stop children suffering the effects of passive smoking like she did. This is why she is supporting the BLF’s Children's Charter campaign to stop smoking in cars with kids.
Young Campaigners
Tell us what you think about adults smoking in cars with kids. We've got a template you can use to write a letter to your MP.
How can you help protect little lungs?
You can join our campaign to pressure the Government into taking action by:
You can find out more about the Charter here.
If you'd like information on children's lung conditions, visit our children's lung disease section.
Call the BLF Helpline on 03000 030 555 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 6pm) to speak to our Children's nurse who specialises in children's lung conditions and breathing problems.
