Rochdale mum ‘takes 7 steps out’

Debbie Brearley and daughter Lattitia Brearley

Debbie Brearley, a mum of 4, from Rochdale, has been thanked by Smokefree North West for ‘taking seven steps out’ to protect her children from second-hand smoke.

The Take 7 Steps Out campaign, urges all parents to be aware of the harm that second-hand smoke can cause to their children’s health and how they need to take at least 7 steps outside of the house to ensure that the smoke does not drift back in.

Ms Brearley said: "I've just decorated so smoking outside keeps the walls nicotine free, even mates are made to smoke outside".

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health for the Rochdale borough said:
"When adults smoke indoors or in cars, children cannot escape the fumes.

“Being invisible makes the terrible toxins in the fumes no less dangerous to a child's developing lungs.

“The fumes can trigger asthma attacks, bronchilitis, middle ear infection and hearing impairment, as well as cot death.

“But just take seven steps out of your home or the car before you light up can make all the difference.”

The campaign has already had a positive effect, after the first 5 weeks of the campaign last summer, 19 per cent of the target audience said that they now go right outside to smoke to protect their children from second-hand smoke.

Julie Webster, Chairwoman of Smokefree North West, said: “We have a duty to support parents with the best possible information. Parents and other family members may not know that many of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke are invisible, so standing by an open window or door is simply not enough to protect their children.

“We know the public are behind us – with almost nine in ten supporting more education for smokers who live with children.”

For further information about Smokefree Homes in the Rochdale borough call 01706 924 225.

Help quit smoking altogether with support from your local Stop Smoking Service – call 0161 655 1581.