RCN backs call to protect children from second-hand smoke

Published: 16 June 2010

The Royal College of Nursing today (16 June) 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.”

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Notes for Editors

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The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.