Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uoe-sbc032614.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 27-Mar-2014

Contact: Jen Middleton
University of Edinburgh

Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks

Banning smoking in public places has helped to cut premature births by 10 per cent, new research shows.

The study of data from parts of North America and Europe where smoking bans have been introduced also showed a 10 per cent fall in hospital attendance for childhood asthma attacks.

The findings reveal that the impact of anti-smoking laws varies between countries but overall the effect on child health around the world is very positive.

Laws that prohibit smoking in public places, such as bars, restaurants and work places, are already proven to protect adults from the health threats associated with passive smoking.

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Passive smoking can cause babies to be stillborn or born prematurely and is linked to birth defects, asthma and lung infections. Studies have also suggested that being exposed to second hand smoke during childhood may have long term health implications, contributing to the development of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes in later life.

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