RCPE Press Release
24 March 2010
Speaking shortly after the publication of the Royal College of Physicians of London’s report on Passive Smoking in Children, Dr Neil Dewhurst, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE), said,
“Passive smoking exposure levels in children have fallen by 40% in Scotland since the introduction of smoke-free legislation, but exposure levels in children of smokers remain high and demand further legislative action. We fully endorse today’s report which calls for an extension of smoke-free legislation throughout the UK in order to include public areas frequented by children and in cars.”
“The evidence is compelling. Passive smoking exposure significantly increases the risk of a range of diseases in children. It is estimated that over 4000 new cases of respiratory infection, wheeze and asthma in Scottish children could be avoided every year by reducing the exposure of children to passive smoking.”
“Scotland has led the UK in the introduction of smoke-free legislation and we call on the Scottish Government to extend this legislation as a matter of priority”.
ENDS
Contact: Graeme McAlister on 0131-247-3693 or 07808-939395
