NEW research reveals that even with a window open, children in cars with smokers are exposed to dangerous chemicals more than a hundred times higher than recommended levels.

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The research was conducted by Newcastle University, Public Health England and campaign group Fresh to mark the introduction of new laws from today (Thursday October 1) which ban smoking in vehicles when children are present.

The ban, which was championed in the Commons by Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, means smokers can now be fined £50 as can the driver of the vehicle, even if they have not lit up.

However supporters expect it will be largely self-enforcing.

Experts from Newcastle’s University transport research team showed that even with a window open levels of dangerous chemicals, in the form of fine particles, were 114 times higher than guidelines.

When the windows were closed – and with the fan turned on – the levels were more than 200 times higher.

Meanwhile, the amount of poisonous gas carbon monoxide emitted by second hand smoke was two to three times higher than on a busy road at rush hour.

Cigarette smoke is made of more than 4,000 chemicals, 50 of which are known to cause cancer.

But 80 per cent of it is invisible, while children are particularly vulnerable to it as they breathe more rapidly than adults and have less developed airways and immune systems.

It is thought three million children in England are regularly exposed to second hand smoke in vehicles, putting them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis and bronchitis.

Changes to the law have garnered huge support among the public with a survey by YouGov and ASH revealing that 88 per cent of adults in the North-East are in favour.

Newcastle University’s Dr Anil Namdeo, who led the research, said: “People think that by opening the window they are clearing the air, but what actually happens is the air is sucked in from outside and pushes the smoke backwards, straight towards the passengers in the back seat.

“Within minutes of the driver lighting up we saw a rapid increase in the levels of harmful chemicals.”

The Northern Echo: HARMFUL: Dr Malcolm Brodlie, a honorary consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at the Great North Children’s Hospital, who says doctors on hospital wards frequently see the effects of second hand smoke on children

Dr Malcolm Brodlie, pictured above, a honorary consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at the Great North Children’s Hospital, said: “Babies and children who breathe in smoke are more likely to have problems with asthma attacks and chest infections.

“This new data really hits home the harm that can be caused by smoking in a confined space such as a car and highlights the importance of this new law.”

Lisa Surtees, acting director of Fresh, added: “[This law] will bring major health benefits and protect children.”

Smokers are being encouraged to quit by taking part in the annual ‘Stoptober’ event which starts today.

For more information visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober