Working for a tobacco-free Scotland
02 March 2011
Health professionals and others want to learn more about how they can reduce the harm to children caused by second-hand smoke according to new research published by REFRESH (Reducing families' exposure to second-hand smoke in the home), a Big Lottery Funded project managed by ASH Scotland, in partnership with Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities. Speaking at a conference which will share information on what health boards and local communities are doing to reduce the dangers of second-hand smoke, Chair of the REFRESH Research Board and ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy called for a number of specific actions to be taken to reduce the harm caused by second-hand smoke to children in Scotland saying:
“Second-hand smoke exposure causes a variety of child ill-health including respiratory problems, reduced lung function, middle ear disease, asthma and wheeze, bacterial meningitis, and SIDS (cot death)2. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh estimate that over 4000 new cases of respiratory infection, wheeze and asthma in Scottish children could be avoided every year by reducing the exposure of children to second-hand smoke. However research shows that many parents are not aware of the specific health risks to children and that many health professionals feel they do not have adequate training to support families.
“In Scotland, we have not seen an increase in the number of smoke-free homes over recent years, however it is estimated that at least one quarter of children are still exposed to smoke in the home. There is still more work to be done to raise the awareness of the harm that second-hand smoke causes and to promote the message that a smoke-free home can help prevent ill health in children.
“Three reports published by REFRESH that health professionals and those who work with children are interested in the issue of second-hand smoke in the home. They are also enthusiastic about having more training and professional development in the issue, especially if this will help them deliver accurate information to parents and carers who want to know more about the harm caused by second-hand smoke and also provide practical and supportive advice to help reduce the impact of second-hand smoke around their children. The research also shows a wide variation in how the impact of second-hand smoke on children in the home is dealt with across Scotland.
“The reports highlight that whilst there is a wide variety of work going on across Scotland there are gaps that need filled if we are to reduce the harm caused by second-hand smoke. The research also shows a wide variation in how the impact of second-hand smoke on children in the home is dealt with across Scotland. The research identifies variations in approach, evaluation and funding for second-hand smoke projects across Scotland. It is vital that these projects are fully evaluated and that there are mechanisms for sharing lessons learned and best practice, as well as ensuring funding is available for projects.
“Whilst the REFRESH project will continue to work over the next two years on developing research and guidance for health professionals and others who work with families, to help them reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly in disadvantaged communities, there are a number of steps that the Scottish Government and NHS boards could take right now. These include:
“The impact of second-hand smoke on children’s health is an important issue that needs urgent attention in Scotland especially when it comes to raising the issue of the harm it can cause and training professionals in raising the issue of second-hand smoke in the home. Today’s conference will help that process by sharing information and providing training to health workers. By tackling this issue and increasing the numbers of smoke-free homes, ill-health amongst children can be reduced in the future.”
Action on Smoking & Health (Scotland) (ASH Scotland) is a registered Scottish charity (SC 010412) and a company limited by guarantee(Scottish company no 141711). The registered office is 8 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HB.
© 2012 ASH Scotland
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