The website for everyone in the Old Aberdeen community

Old Aberdeen

Smoke Free Homes and Cars Project

About the Project  

NHS Grampian in Partnership with Grampian Fire & Rescue Service and Aberdeen City Council has developed a pilot project to encourage parents to protect their families from second-hand smoke by making a commitment to one of the following promises:

• Step One:  Make your home and car completely smoke free at all times, so that your children (and any adults) will be healthier.
  
  
• Step Two: If step one is too difficult, restrict smoking to one well ventilated room or area and never smoke in front of your children in the home. Although your family will still be affected by second-hand smoke, it will hopefully be less harmful and discourage your children from becoming smokers when they are adults.

What is second-hand smoke?

The smoke blown out when someone is smoking a cigarette and the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette is known as Second-hand Smoke. The fine particles from smoke linger, spread to other rooms and stick to every surface and everyone.

Smoke from a cigarette contains over 4000 chemicals most of which are dangerous, some causing cancer. These chemicals don’t need to be inhaled directly from the cigarette to cause harm so not only cause problems to smokers but also to those around them.

Why is it dangerous for my Children?

Because children breathe faster, their lungs and immune systems are still developing, their little hands touch everything they are much more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.

What can I do?

If you are a parent and interested in trying to create a healthier environment for your family, you could ring the following number to request a help pack:      01224 555 336

Or, if you are a professional working with families and would like to know more about our training programme, please call the same number and we will get back to you.

June 2011