Surrey is one of an increasing number of places across Britain where local organisations are working together to ensure their community becomes smokefree. We aim to protect the public from the harm of secondhand smoke, and help those smokers who wish to quit.
Whats been achieved so far?
The smokefree legislation, introduced in July 2007, has ensured that non smokers are protected from secondhand smoke in most enclosed work and public places. Recent government research shows that compliance with the law stands at almost 99% in the South East region.
Smokefree Vehicles Campaign
A new campaign to promote smokefree vehicles is being launched in Surrey. Work vehicles should be smokefree by law and more information can be found on the Business page with a downloadable leaflet and checklist, specifically for workplace vehicles.
Family and private vehicles are not covered by the smokefree legislation. However, Smokefree Surrey is asking parents to not smoke when their kids are in the car. It may not be easy but it helps keep them safe.
Smoking in the car exposes children to harmful chemicals in higher concentrations than in any other environment. Because their bodies are still developing, children are especially vulnerable to the poisons in second-hand smoke. Children also have less developed immune systems and a higher vulnerability to serious smoke-related illnesses.
There is no safe way to smoke in the car. Whether you keep the window rolled down, blow smoke out of the window, use air fresheners or filters, or only take a few puffs, your children are exposed to the risk of developing serious illnesses. The only way parents can protect their kids from the dangers of second-hand smoke in the car is by not smoking in the vehicle.
Changing your behaviour will take time and effort. But your kids are worth it. And they’ll thank you for it.