The following information is about the benefits of smoke-free homes as a way to protect children, young people, adults and pets from the effects of second hand smoke.

What is second hand smoke?

Second smoke is smoke that you breathe in from other people’s smoking. It can be blown out from a smokers mouth or drift from the end of a burning cigarette, pipe or cigar.

Why is it a concern?

When tobacco smoke disappears into the air it’s easy to forget about it but unfortunately smoke is very good at hiding.

Here are some facts about second-hand smoke:

• 85% of second-hand smoke is invisible so waving it away from children and those around you is pointless
• The chemicals in second-hand smoke cling to everything. Clothes, food, walls carpets and even dust. They are there to stay too. Sometimes for months after a cigarette has been stubbed out.
• Second-hand smoke wont just stay in one room. It will quickly spread to other rooms even if you open a window or close the door.
• Children can actually breathe in the equivalent of around 150 cigarettes a year when adults smoke around them. Quite a thought. Isn’t it?

How can you keep your family safe?

If you smoke, the best way to protect your family from second hand smoke is by promising to make your family home smoke-free.

The NHS Highland Smoke Free Homes and Cars Challenge began in May 2010, we have had over 1400 homes sign up and over 170 requests for free Home Fire Safety Visits.

Some people choose to smoke outside but we understand there can be challenges to doing this.

Why not take the Smoke-Free Homes Challenge?

4 steps, 4 promises

You can choose from:

Bronze
We promise to only smoke in one room in the home an never in the car

Silver
We promise to only smoke in one room ONLY when the children aren’t around and never smoke in the family car.

Gold
We promise to never smoke in the home or family car.

Diamond
We promise to never smoke in the home or family car AND get support to quit smoking.

Request a challenge information pack

If you would like some advice and a pack to get you started, please complete this form and we will send you your pack:

What else could you do?

Once your home and car is smoke-free you may want to take it a step further. Living in a smoke-free home can actually make quitting easier.  

For help and support to stop smoking, call the local Smoke-Free Highland Service on 0845 757 3077 or contact your local adviser.

You can also request a free Home Safety Fire Check by visiting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

Feel ready to quit?