WHAT IS SMOKEFREE HOMES?

Transcription

1 WHAT IS SMOKEFREE HOMES? Smokefree Homes is a voluntary initiative to protect children and non-smokers from the hazards of tobacco smoke. A smokefree home is a home and car where nobody smokes inside, including visitors. Aims The aim of Smokefree Homes is to eliminate the exposure to tobacco smoke in the home and car. This can be broken down into several objectives: Reduce morbidity and mortality among children and young people Reduce tobacco smoke exposure among children and vulnerable groups Increase awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco smoke Increase knowledge and skills to remove the risk Provide health professionals with information to facilitate smokefree home sign-ups, in particular parents with young children Increase awareness of local supportive services (Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service home safety checks) Break the smoking cycle between parents and children/young people. It is important to note that we are only encouraging people to smoke outside in order to protect children and non-smokers from tobacco smoke. If clients want to stop smoking we will refer them to the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, as they are four times more likely to stop with their support. In addition we can also offer a referral for a free home fire safety check. The Smokefree Homes initiative is supported by many local partners. For more information visit

2 WHY HAVE A SMOKEFREE HOME? Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals and poisonous gases too small for the eye to see or the nose to smell. Over 50 of these chemicals cause cancer 90% of these chemicals stick to the walls, clothes, furniture, hair, and skin for up to two weeks Children and babies exposed to tobacco smoke in the home and car inhale the equivalent of cigarettes per year Over 17,000 children are admitted into hospital every year because of tobacco smoke Smoking in the home is the number one cause of house fires in England Why do it? People often think that they can remove the risk from tobacco smoke by: Opening windows or doors Smoking less Not smoking in front of children Smoking in one room Smoking out of the window or door Smoking under the extractor fan Using air purifiers or fresheners Smoking in a room when people aren t around There are NO safe levels of exposure to tobacco smoke. It s often the place like home where we feel safe where the greatest risk occurs. Protecting your children and non-smokers health is an excellent reason to make sure tobacco smoke is kept outside.

3 SOME CHEMICALS FOUND IN TOBACCO SMOKE Cadmium Batteries Toluene Industrial solvent Nicotine Insecticide Stearic acid Candle wax Hexamine Barbecue lighter Ammonia Toilet cleaner Butane Lighter Fuel Acetic Acid Vinegar Carbon Monoxide Poisonous gas Methanol Rocket Fuel Lead Paint Arsenic Poison Tar Used to make roads

4 the benefits begin when you make your home and car completely smokefree 4,000 toxic chemicals no longer polluting your home. Your children are healthier; breathing in smokefree air. Risk of health problems reduced. House is cleaner; no more dropped ash or cigarette burns. Your children s nose and eyes no longer irritated by tobacco smoke. Children less likely to develop asthma. Asthmatics have better control of their condition. Children will be less likely to take up smoking in their teens. You will reduce the risk of cigarette related house fires. You will find it easier to stop smoking when your home is smokefree.

5 WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY? Is smoking in the home and car common? 30% of residents in Rotherham say they smoke inside their home 28% of residents in Rotherham say they smoke in their cars Three cigarettes in a car with a partially opened window is like being in what used to be a typical smokey pub Tobacco smoke and health There are over 500 tobacco related deaths per year in Rotherham, which accounts for 1 /5 of all deaths Tobacco smoke increases the risk of CHD by 17% Tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 24% Tobacco smoke and children Children and infants are more vulnerable to tobacco smoke than adults. Children have smaller airways, breathe faster and have immature immune systems Children also have greater hand to mouth contact and therefore ingest more toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke 50% of children in the UK are exposed to tobacco smoke every day of their lives Tobacco smoke has been linked to cot death Tobacco smoke can cause low birth weight Middle ear infection is 50% more likely to occur if one parent smokes Children exposed to tobacco smoke on a daily basis are three times more likely to suffer from lung cancer Children whose parents smoke at home are twice as likely to have asthma symptoms all year round Children are three times more likely to smoke when they get older if they grow up with smokers Tobacco smoke exposure has also been linked to behavioural problems, learning difficulties and school absences There is also evidence that suggests tobacco smoke may cause meningitis and worsen symptoms of cystic fibrosis Tobacco smoke and house fires Smoking households are 40% more likely to have a house fire 1,500 under 16 year olds are injured in house fires annually and 40 of these young people die Between there were on average 132 deaths per year in accidental fires caused by smoking materials The benefits It sends the message to kids that social smoking is unacceptable i.e. smoking is not the norm Reduces the likelihood of children becoming tolerant to tobacco smoke Reduces the opportunity to socially exchange cigarettes Stopping smoking Four times more likely to stop smoking. Four times more likely to stay stopped Prolonged time to relapse Decreased tobacco consumption To the house No tobacco smells Less cleaning needed Less decorating costs No burn marks in furniture No ugly ashtrays about Lower insurance costs Higher home resale price ALL the evidence highlights the benefits of a smokefree home!

6 HOW TO ACHIEVE A SMOKEFREE HOME To some people achieving a smokefree home is easy but to others it can be much harder and they may need our help. There are a number of barriers that can make it difficult for individuals to change their behaviour. Potential Barrier Lack of knowledge in relation to tobacco smoke and health Lack of belief in their ability to create a smokefree home Lack of control over home situation Children cannot be left alone if a parent smokes outside Lack of comfort outside home Lack of support from friends and family or concern that it may upset relationships in the home Self belief about their ability to remove tobacco smoke from the home The home (and car) perceived as a private space, protected from public controls and sanctions How we can help them overcome this The booklet explains the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. You could also talk them through how this impacts on health e.g. if they have asthma. The SFH Planner shows them how to achieve a smokefree home (step by step). Ask them why they feel they can t and try to motivate them. If it isn t them who can make decisions about their home maybe they could pass on the information to the relevant person and try to persuade them. The children s safety must always come first. Explain that if they do go outside to smoke that the child must not be left alone near any hazards. Could stopping smoking be an option? If so ask them to send us the completed form. Suggestions might include having an ashtray or umbrella outside the home. The booklet helps explain to family and friends why the home needs to be smokefree. Highlight that you are not asking them to stop smoking but to smoke outside. Good friends and loving relatives will understand. Opening windows etc. is ineffective at removing tobacco smoke. The only way to protect children is to smoke outside. We are not telling people what to do, if people are adamant that they don t want to sign up then there is nothing we can do about it.

7 HOW DO I SIGN SOMEONE UP TO SMOKEFREE HOMES? THE 3 A S: To make the process of signing someone up to Smokefree Homes easy we have created three simple steps you can follow. ASKING helps you raise the question of smoking in the home, then ADVISE them that a smokefree home is the only effective way to protect their loved ones from tobacco smoke and then encourage them to ACT by making a smokefree home pledge. ASK Does anyone smoke inside your home or car? YES ADVISE NO Explain that tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals that can affect the health of their family Explain that Smokefree Homes is a voluntary initiative to protect children and non-smokers. A smokefree home is a home and car where nobody smokes inside, including visitors. Advise them to sign up to officially make their home smokefree Congratulate them on already having a smokefree home Highlight the benefits they are getting: Their family is protected from the 4,000 chemicals and their children will be healthier Explain that Smokefree Homes is a voluntary initiative to protect children and non-smokers. A smokefree home is a home and car where nobody smokes inside, including visitors In this case, also advise them to sign up to officially make their home smokefree ACT Fill in the tear off slip. Tick the box if they want to be referred to the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service or the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Send the form back to us using the freepost address and then give them a goody pack.

8 HOW TO USE THE BOOKLET We ve tried to make the process of signing someone up as easy as possible. The booklet gives people the information they need on Smokefree Homes and includes a tear off section to fill in and freepost back to us. The sections in the booklet include: What is a smokefree home? Why do it? The benefits Smokefree home planner Frequently asked questions The tear off section (smokefree homes pledge) You can either help the client fill in the form or simply ask them to fill the information in and send back to us via free post. Sending the completed forms back The forms can be free posted back to us either by you or the client. Please don t hold on to completed forms. Once the form is filled in we would like this back as soon as possible. We can then refer the client (if necessary) while they are motivated to either stop smoking or have a free fire safety check. Referring to the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service: Because Smokefree Homes works in partnership with other organisations we can refer clients on to other services. If clients would like to access these services we will pass their details on to the relevant service as soon as we receive the tear of form. Clients will then be contacted by the relevant service to make a suitable appointment. Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service Free and friendly support by trained staff. You are four times more likley to stop smoking with their support. Fire Service Free home fire safety check by trained staff and free smoke alarms where necessary.

9 HINTS AND TIPS FOR CREATING A SMOKEFREE HOME/CAR 1 Agree on the fundementals: Tobacco smoke is a serious health hazard for children and non-smokers A smokefree home/car might help cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke per day and save you some money A smokefree home/car will reduce the chances of our children becoming long-term smokers A smokefree home/car will reduce the risk of fires and our children becoming ill A smokefree home may not be a priority for you but it s a priority for your children s health and safety. 3 Decide what needs to happen and when Are we going to try to make our home/car smokefree? Are we going to try to stop smoking to increase our chances of success? When should we tell the kids and explain why? How easy are the three steps to implement? How long will it take us to go through the three steps? If we get stuck will we discuss what we can do to make it work or are we going to ask for some practical help from our health professional? 2 Discuss what is happening at the moment: Are we smoking in the home and car regularly? Are we conscious about where and when we smoke? When did we start smoking in the home and car and what s changed since then? What are the barriers to smoking outside? How can we make it easier to smoke outside the house? 4 Decide what you can do to avoid triggers to smoking in the home Remove ashtrays from the house Make sure cigarettes are hidden away Have a clean out to get rid of the tobacco smoke and smell Be positive and remind yourself why you have made the effort to keep your home smokefree Make a list of other things you need to do to distract yourself

10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Who are we targeting? A. Tobacco smoke can affect everyone so anyone can sign up to Smokefree Homes i.e. smokers, non-smokers and families with or without children. But because children are particularly at risk we want to focus on families with young children who do not have any smoking restrictions in the home, including pregnant women and their partners and those living in the lower socio-economic areas. Q. What should the client do after signing up to the Smokefree Homes promise? A. The pack includes a three step plan and resources to make their home and car smokefree. Families can monitor their progress by ticking off each step. Q. What if a client is struggling to make their home and car smokefree? A. Remind them about all the benefits that a smokefree home and car will have for them and their family. Encourage them to make a list of all the good and bad things a smokefree home will bring and discuss possible solutions. If they are still struggling and you feel they would like help, contact the Smokefree Homes Co-ordinator. Q. I have now decided to have a free fire safety check. What should I do? A. We will process this request when you send back the tear-off strip from the booklet. Q. I have now decided to stop smoking with Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service. What should I do? A. We will process this request when you send back the tear-off strip from the booklet. Q. Will I upset visitors, especially close friends and relatives, if I ask them not to smoke in my home? A. Explain to them that tobacco smoke is harmful to your family and to other non-smokers and show them the Smokefree Homes booklet and resources. Tell them you are not asking them to stop smoking but to smoke outside. Good friends and loving relatives will understand. Q. Is it my job to tell someone to not smoke in their home? A. Helping to protect children from tobacco smoke should be everyone s job. We are not taking away smokers cigarettes, we are simply informing them of the risks caused by tobacco smoke and trying to encourage and support them to smoke outside. Q. Is Smokefree Homes relevant to a Government Target or Guideline? A. Yes, it helps work towards the Governments targets of reducing the total number of smokers, the number of pregnant smokers and to reduce health inequalities. Q. What help is available? A. For further information call the co-ordinator on or Alternatively visit

11 SUPPORT AVAILABLE If you have any questions or queries regarding Smokefree Homes please feel free to contact the Smokefree Homes Coordinator: Coordinator Contact Details: Kaye Mann NHS Rotherham Directorate of Public Health Oak House Moorhead Way Bramley Rotherham S66 1YY Tel: Mobile: Fax: How to keep up to date with Smokefree Homes A newsletter will be ed out to everyone who attends training. This will include up to date information on Smokefree Homes. For more information visit

12 FURTHER READING Al-alawy, K. et al (2008), Smokefree Homes: outcomes of a local service development, Community Practitioner, 81(12) pp Attitudes towards Smoking in Public Places in South Yorkshire (2005), Research Study Conducted for Smoke Free South Yorkshire Tobacco Alliance, Mori Social Research Institute Beyond Smoking Kills (2008) Protecting Children, Reducing Inequalities Breaking the cycle of children s exposure to tobacco smoke (2007) British Medical Association Conley Thomson, C. et al (2005) Household smoking bans and adolescents perceived prevalence of smoking and social acceptability of smoking. Preventative Medicine, 41, Farkas, A. et al (2000) Association between household & smoking restrictions and adolescent smoking. JAMA, 284: pp Gilpin, E. et al (1999) Home smoking restrictions: which smokers have them and how they are associated with smoking behaviour. Nicotine Tobacco Research, 1(June): Glantz S & Jamieson P. (2000) Attitudes toward Second hand Smoke, Smoking and Quitting among Young people. Paediatrics; 106, e82. Jamrozik, K. (2005) Estimate of deaths attributable to passive smoking among UK adults: database analysis. British Medical Journal: 300; 812 Law M. R. et al (1997), Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and ischemic heart disease. British Medical Journal, 315: Pizacani, B. et al (2004) A prospective study of household smoking bans and subsequent cessation related behaviour. Tobacco Control, 13(1): pp Proescholdbell, R. et al (2000) Home smoking restrictions and adolescent smoking. Nicotine Tobacco Research; 2: Royal College of Physicians. Going Smokefree: The medical case for clean air in the home, at work and in public places London: Royal College of Physicians Rumchev, K. at al (2008) How free of tobacco smoke are smoke-free homes? Indoor Air, European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; 18(3): Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH). Second hand smoke: review of the evidence since Update of evidence on health effects of second hand smoke London: Department of Health Szabo, E. et al (2006) Can smoking restrictions influence adolescent smoking behaviour if their parents and friends smoke? Addictive Behaviour; 31: The UK Confidential Enquiry into Stillbirths and Deaths in Infancy. Sudden Unexpected deaths in infancy. The CEDSI SUDI studies London: Stationery Office, Wakefield, M. A. et al (2000). Effect of restrictions on smoking in the home, at school, and in public places on teenage smoking: a cross sectional study. British Medical Journal 321: Warren, C. et al (2006) Global Tobacco Surveillance System Collaborative Group. Patterns of global tobacco use in young people and implications for future chronic disease burden in adults. Lancet; 367: Windham, G.C. et al (1999) Evidence for an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and birth weight: a meta-analysis and new data. Paediatric Epidemiology; 13(1):35-57.