A CAMPAIGN is being launched to warn of the dangers smoking in cars and homes can cause to children.

In Halton 21,910 people smoke and it’s estimated that it costs the local economy £36 million every year in NHS costs, lost productivity, litter and fire damage.

Halton Council and the Health Improvement Team is supporting TV and radio adverts that show smoking by a window or the back door is not enough to protect children from secondhand smoke.

More than 80% of secondhand smoke is invisible and odourless, yet contains harmful cancer causing toxins and poisons that are unknowingly damaging children in Halton every day.

Children of smokers are 90 per cent more likely to become smokers themselves.

Tisha Baynton, Halton tobacco control co-ordinator and stop smoking service manager said: “We want to support people who smoke to think about the effect this can have on their family and support them to take positive action. Giving up smoking or making sure you have a completely smokefree home and car is the only way to protect your family.

“Secondhand smoke causes a range of serious health problems. We want to reduce the number of children who are admitted to hospital every year in Halton through the effects of secondhand smoke.”

Children’s lungs are smaller and less developed so they are more vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke.

Free help is available from Halton stop smoking service on 01928 593043.