A NEW campaign to raise awareness of the effects of second-hand smoke on children has been launched in Middlesbrough. Smokers are being urged not to light up where children could be exposed to it, whether it is on the touchline at a football match or other sporting event.

Middlesbrough’s Smokefree Alliance has joined forces with Grassroots Football to spread the word.

The effects of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, especially on children, include respiratory problems such as lung or airway infections, wheezing, coughing and breathlessness, and an increased risk of developing other infections that can cause acute and chronic health problems.

Children with asthma or other underlying respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.

They are at greater risk of developing symptoms earlier in life and having more symptoms and asthma attacks as they grow older.

Edward Kunonga, director of public health for Middlesbrough Council, said: “The number of people who smoke in the North-East is falling.

“However, smoking remains the single largest cause of preventable illness and premature deaths in Middlesbrough. In addition to the health effects of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, when children play sports they need as much clean air as possible. If the air contains tobacco smoke, this increases the amount of harmful chemicals entering their lungs. We need to ensure sporting events are smoke-free so children can enjoy them as well as maximise the health benefits of being physically active.”