Healthy Homes Mean Smokefree Homes

Tuesday 31 May 2005

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc.)

Healthy Homes Mean Smokefree Homes

Today is World Smokefree Day and the perfect opportunity to make your home smokefree.

Since 10 December last year all indoor workplaces, including clubs, restaurants and bars have been smokefree. This new law is especially welcomed by the 800,000 New Zealanders who have respiratory disease and can now breathe safe air while they socialise without worrying about a smoke-induced attack.

"While huge progress has been made in workplaces throughout the country we've still got plenty of work to do to make sure our homes are pollution-free," says Jane Patterson, Executive Director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand.

"New Zealand has one of the highest rates of respiratory disease in the world. One in four of our children have difficulty breathing. Smoking exacerbates the problem. We need to take responsibility for the health of our homes and provide a smokefree environment for our kids."

The Foundation continues to promote "healthy homes" for all New Zealanders following their campaign for Asthma Awareness Week 2005 offering cost-effective and easy tips to convert homes into "warm, dry and pollution free" environments.

"An easy way to protect yourself and your family from second-hand smoke pollutants is by making your home and car smokefree."

Following are some practical suggestions for your home:

* Make a rule -- your home is smokefree at all times, for everyone.

* Let other people know - put Smokefree Home / Whare Auahi Kore stickers in places around your home where everyone will see them. These stickers are free from your local District Health Board.

* Remove all ashtrays from inside your home.

* Ask people who want to smoke to go outside.

* Celebrate your home being smokefree.

World Smokefree Day is a World Health Organization initiative celebrated globally each year on 31 May.

ENDS

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