Protect children from secondary tobacco smoke

TOBACCO smoke contains about 4,000 chemicals, many carcinogens and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS). Children exposed to SHS are vulnerable to respiratory diseases, bronchitis, wheezing, hay fever, eczema and many other allergic symptoms and of course to nicotine dependence. Poor lung development (a lifelong deficiency), learning problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are other long-lasting health problems resulting from children’s exposure to SHS.

Smoking in the enclosed space of cars results in concentrations of toxins up to 11 times higher than in the average smoky pub, and 23 times higher than in a house.

These facts, and the dangers of SHS, have been known for decades, yet our children are still not protected. This is a crazy and unacceptable situation when the States are spending so much on promoting and dealing with public health, yet not tackling a specific issue known to have lasting effects on the physical and mental development of children. What greater public health priority can there be than ensuring that children are given the fundamental right to breathe clean air?

Why are the States not making it illegal to smoke in a car if any of the passengers are under 18 years old, as has been the law in Jersey since 2015? Where is the political will to protect children from the damages caused by SHS?

PHIL DUPRE

ADDRESS WITHHELD.

Editor’s footnote: a spokesperson for Health & Social Care replies:

We thank your reader for their letter and would agree that smoking and the exposure of children to second-hand smoke is a very important public health issue. Over the years we have introduced a whole range of measures, from educating the public about the dangers of smoking, to the Guernsey Quitline service and restrictions on smoking in various public spaces. These initiatives are designed to encourage more people to stop smoking and figures indicate that the number of people in Guernsey who smoke now is just 13.3% of the population, which compares favourably with Jersey and the UK, where rates are 16% and almost 20% respectively.

There are many priorities that we as a health service must address. In addition, there will always be competing demands for resources, which are not limitless, however it is our firm belief that education and prevention, together with practical, free support such as nicotine replacement therapy and help and advice, support islanders to make healthy choices. This in turn is contributing to the ongoing downturn in the number of islanders who smoke.