Passive smoking effects thousands of individuals in the UK. It has the ability to cause serious health issues for everyone but it has become particularly concerning when looking at its impact on the health of young children.
Research shows that over 4000 chemicals are released from passive smoke. These chemicals contain a number for toxins which can have serious health impacts on children. The National Health Service (NHS), alongside various campaigns and charities, informs the public of many ways passive smoke can increase likelihood of developing health issues such as asthma and even death through lung disease and increased chance of cot death. Additionally, research suggests that being around adult smokers has a psychological impact on children’s behaviour making those children who’s with parents or family member’s smoke, more likely to become smokers themselves.
Yet with this knowledge and awareness around the topic, some parents still persist in smoking in the presence of their children. This has caused great public debate around whether smoking should be banned in homes where children are living. This debate has caused a split between the public and I myself is still undecided on the issue. Let me tell you why…
Firstly, I believe that there can be many positive outcomes from banning smoking inside homes. It can perhaps prevent those cot deaths that are caused by passive smoking, even if it is a small proportion of cot deaths that are caused by this action. It can decrease the amount of children who develop breathing and other illnesses due to second hand smoke. Even if it only improves the health chances of a few hundred children, surely it is worth it as it’s our duty to protect those who are too young to protect themselves?
Secondly, banning smoking in homes, could encourage more adults to quit smoking and therefor have a positive impact on their lifestyle choices. Not only could we potentially see a reduction in the number of serious illness adults smokers suffer from such as bronchitis and lung cancer, but we may also see a decrease in the number of young smokers as they start to see more of their role models give up the habit. 
However, I know there is a big downfall to the argument supporting the ban of smoking in homes with children in them. How can the authorities hope to control what people do in their homes? It is almost impossible to regulate what people do in their personal space. For example, there are laws that regulate the use of illegal substance in people’s homes, but does this really prevent those individuals that wish you use illegal drugs from using them?
The reality is that such a law will be very difficult to implement. But I strongly believe that the starting point is to educate both children and adults about the seriousness of passive smoking. Going into schools and encouraging debate on the issue, broadcasting radio shows or TV documentaries, and utilising the power of social media will help towards this important task. We must utilise the tools that have the potential to access a wide range of ages and types of people.
But for now, we leave it in the hands of parents to be conscious of the impact their smoking can have on their kids.
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment about what you think on this issue.
Chloe Findlay
Healthwatch Wandsworth Youth Blog 