Be smokefree

Smoking around children and young people is harmful. They will be exposed to second-hand smoke and children who breathe in second-hand smoke are more likely to develop illnesses such as chest infections, glue ear and asthma.

Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant (SUDI).

Second-hand smoke is a mix of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette plus the smoke blown into the air by the person smoking.

Quitting smoking is hard work but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are thinking about quitting, are working to become a non-smoker, or you have relapsed, you will find support and information on the Quit Group website. You can call the Quitline 0800 778 778 or talk to your midwife, Plunket staff, well child health provider or your doctor.

Did you know:

• second-hand smoke contains more than 200 poisons, some of which can cause cancer?
• the concentration of some poisons is higher in second-hand smoke than in the smoke being breathed in by the smoker?
• children’s lungs are small and their body weight is low, so the poisons found in second-hand smoke are more harmful to them?
• children and babies are often unable to move away from second-hand smoke?
• opening or winding down a window will not remove all of the poisons?
• the poisons will linger long after the smoke and smell have disappeared?

Be a positive role model and don’t smoke around children at any time. They’ll be less likely to become smokers.

Easy steps

Easy steps to making your home and car smoke-free:

• Make a rule — your home and car are smoke-free at all times for everyone.
• Remove all ashtrays from your home.
• Clean out your car ashtray.
• Remove the cigarette lighter from your car.
• Let other people know — put Smokefree/Auahi Kore stickers on your windows.
• Ask your family and whānau to support you by not smoking in your home and car.