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IntroductionIntroduction to tobacco control activity across RotherhamWant to stop smokingRotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is a free service for anyone in Rotherham who would like help to stop smoking. Quitting isn't easy, but when you see the drastic improvements to your life and health it is really motivating.Make a Smokefree Homes pledgeMake a Smokefree Home pledge today.Smoking and the lawOn 1 July 2007 a new law was introduced to make it illegal to smoke in enclosed public places and in workplaces. This law helps to protect children and non-smokers from second-hand smoke and makes the environment cleaner and healthier for all.TrainingThis section is for health professionals with an interest in stop smoking or smokefree homes training. We offer training to all frontline staff.

Smokefree homes is a voluntary initiative to protect children and non-smokers from the hazards of tobacco smoke. A smokefree home is a home and car where nobody smokes inside, including visitors.

Click here to make your smokefree home pledge

What are the risks?

The home and car are the major sources of exposure to tobacco smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 toxic chemicals, 50 of these chemicals cause cancer.
90% of these chemicals stick to the wall, clothes, furniture, hair and skin for up to two weeks.
Children and babies exposed to tobacco smoke in the home and car inhale the equivalent of 60-150 cigarettes a year.
Over 17000 children are admitted into hospital every year due to exposure to tobacco smoke in their homes.
Tobacco smoke is linked to cot death.
Children and infants are more vulnerable. They can't go outside like adults can, their immune systems aren't fully developed, they have smaller air ways and faster breathing rates so inhale more tobacco particles.
Smoking in the home is the number one cause of house fires in England.
Tobacco smoke affects pets too, as well as inhaling the smoke they can also ingest the particles when they groom themselves.

Why make your home and car totally smokefree?

People often think that they can remove the risk from tobacco smoke by doing such things as opening windows, using fans, smoking in one room or not smoking infront of the children, but you can't. There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. The only way to protect your family from tobacco smoke is to not allow anyone to smoke inside your home or car.

Why cars as well?

Many smokers still smoke in their cars. Opening the windows is not an effective way of removing the smoke. The confined space increases the level of exposure and the harm caused. Even if you don't smoke in the car when children are present the chemicals can linger for up to two weeks. If you need to smoke, try and smoke before or after your journey or make a stop and get out of the car.