Calls for a ban on smokers lighting up in parks and playgrounds
SMOKING should be banned in children's play areas to protect their health, a leading health charity has said.
Bosses at ASH Wales say the step is vital to ensure children can play in a smoke-free environment in parks and playgrounds.
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Tanya Buchanan, chief executive of the organisation, said the campaign had the support of three out of four adults who agreed smoking should be banned in outdoor play areas.
Ms Buchanan said: "We want all local authorities in Wales to support our campaign to ensure parks and playgrounds under their control are smoke-free. Children have the right to experience a smoke-free environment, whether at home, in cars, taking part in after-school sporting activities or out and about enjoying their leisure time with friends and family.
"Making parks smoke-free will protect our children from developing health problems from breathing in second-hand smoke because when you smoke, so does everyone else."
Children are at particular risk from second-hand smoke, with more than 20,000 cases of lower respiratory tract infection, 120,000 cases of middle ear disease, 22,000 new cases of wheeze and asthma, 200 cases of bacterial meningitis, and 9,500 children admitted to hospital every year in Britain.
Lesley Jones, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: "Smoking-related litter causes significant harm to the environment with 90 per cent of Welsh streets affected.
"Cigarette butts can take up to 12 years to biodegrade and they can cause health problems to children and animals if ingested.
"Smoking litter makes our parks and public spaces look dirty and uninviting."
elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk
35 Comments
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by Dan, Pontypridd
Sunday, January 02 2011, 6:26AM
“I don't think anywhere should be enforced as a no smoke zone. I think common sense should be enforced instead (imagine that!) If I'm the only person in a huge park, nobody else around, I should be allowed to light up. If I'm in an empty pub or with smokers, I should be allowed to light up. If someone comes in and asks for us to stop, we should stop. There's no need for excessive laws if people have a bit of courtesy for others. Smoking in a playground where kids play is abhorrant, you shouldn't need a law to tell you it's a bad idea. But if it's 10pm and I can't sleep and fancy a sit on a swing and a light up, bet your ass I'm going to!”
by Mr A Swipe, cwmbrla
Friday, September 24 2010, 6:24PM
“Funny thing is when walking past parks how many children are jumping up just to inhale the smoke and I observe many children and dogs eating the dogends frightening.”
by Stuart Reid, Port Talbot
Wednesday, September 22 2010, 3:14PM
“Another classic EP comments thread.
Of course smoking is bad for you, so are lots of other things. It's a personal choice. You're in danger every time you jump in your car. Every time you leave your house. Hell, your body could give in at any time for no good reason at all!
Yeah, yeah, I know smoking increase all these risk factors, but if it was my choice - and it didn't bother anyone else - why not let me?
Smoking and Drinking and the only legal vices left. Then again, we could all pack everything in and be perfectly healthy humans.
The environment (esp. fumes, particulates, etc from business and transport) is far more dangerous.
But back to the main story. Of course you shouldn't smoke in front of the kids in the playground.”
by Mr Health, Swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 9:46PM
“Stick the stinkin things up your a@@..
ban the lot even better jail the fre@k shows”
by Sarah, Swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 4:09PM
“Enough said! As you have internet access may i suggest you try looking it up. Though your comments have nothing to do with the original article so are therefore irrelevant.”
by fat sarah, swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 3:47PM
“salubrious
isnt that somones passage off wind street?”
by Sarah, Swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 3:24PM
“Tragic!
Seriously, if you haven't got anything salubrious to say ..........”
by fat sarah, swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 2:56PM
“dai cholostomy bag
and your just as bad as geoff Westcross your acting like a spoiled pair of little boys”
by sarah, swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 2:53PM
“sarah
shut it you fat old moo,an leve my mate geff alone”
by Sarah, Swansea
Tuesday, September 21 2010, 12:17PM
“geoff, Westcross
Every thread i read where you have submitted a comment results in you having a go at someone. Is your life so pathetic that you have to cause an argument for the sake of amusement?
Could you please stick to the topic, its boring reading your abusive comments aimed at anyone who seems to have an opposing opinion!”