Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and toxins. It is estimated that thousands of deaths each year are caused by second-hand smoke. Children are particularly affected because their bodies are still developing.

Benefits of having a smoke free home:

• Your family will be less likely to develop asthma, coughs, lung cancer, heart disease, chest and ear infections. Existing conditions will not be worsened because of second hand smoke.
• It will reduce the risk of starting a fire in your home.
• Your home will be a healthier place for your family and pets.
• Your children may be less likely to become smokers if you do not smoke in front of them.
• Your home will be fresher, cleaner and free from the smell of smoke.
• Your clothes will no longer smell of smoke.

Tips on having a smoke free home:

• Let your family and friends know that your house is smoke free. Simply ask people to smoke outside, just opening a window is not good enough as second-hand smoke will still be present in a room after two and a half hours!
• Display a sign to remind people that your home is smoke free.
• Redecorate to get rid of the smell of smoke. Get rid of your ashtrays.
• If you are unable to have a smoke free home, try to make sure that your children are never around anyone who is smoking and make sure that no one smokes in your children’s bedrooms or a room that they use.