A new product which detects nicotine in children and adults; also second-hand smoke exposure

London, UK (PRWEB) April 23, 2006 -- The NHS say the effects of secondhand smoke on children can be more serious because their bodies are still developing. Find out more about how secondhand smoke affects babies and children. 42% of children in the UK live in a home where someone smokes. Despite nearly 60% of smokers admitting they disapprove of smoking cigarettes with a child present in a room or car, 28% continue to do so. What's wrong with secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke contains poisonous gases, tar and thousands of toxic chemicals. These poisons get into the bodies of children who live in smoky atmospheres. Children are even more sensitive to smoke than adults as their bodies are young and still developing. It is not safe for children to be in a room where someone is smoking even if the room is not smoky as 85% of smoke is invisible and odourless. How does secondhand smoke harm children? Babies and children exposed to a smoky atmosphere are: -Twice as likely to have asthma attacks and chest infections - More likely to need hospital care in their first year of life -Off sick from school more often -More likely to get more coughs, colds and wheezes Medical research also shows they have: -Much higher risk of cot death than the children of non-smokers -Increased risk of meningitis -More chance of getting ear infections and 'glue ear', which can lead to partial deafness What can you do to protect babies and children? You can help protect them by keeping their playing, sleeping and eating areas completely smoke free. A new product which detects nicotine in children and adults; also second-hand smoke exposure TobacAlert.co.uk has launched its UK and Europe to help parents identify if their children have been smoking, or been in a potentially dangerous smoke environment. The TobacAlert product is an easy-to-use, cost-effective method of testing for second-hand smoke exposure. Public awareness of the health risks posed by exposure to second-hand smoke continues to grow worldwide. In February, the U.K. government proposed a ban on smoking in public places and work places. To date, more than 120 countries have signed on as parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which requires the adoption of effective measures providing for protection from second hand smoke exposure in workplaces and public places. TobacAlert tests Nicotine levels direct from a smoker and also tests for second-hand smoke exposure in minutes without the need for instruments, equipment or specialised training. TobacAlert is available in the UK at www.tobacalert.co.uk The ability of TobacAlert to measure second-hand smoke exposure has been successfully put to the test by reporters, as reported in the London Sunday Telegraph, New York Daily News, and the and Melbourne, Australia's The Sunday Herald Sun. The site also has a Forum feature for Parents and Children to Name and Shame Schools who do nothing about pupils that smoke. The Tobacalert.co.uk is all about Self help. For further information about TobacAlert plus facts and news about smoking are available from: www.tobacalert.co.uk

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