Environment, News

Plans to make children’s playgrounds in Rushcliffe and Gedling smoke-free

Gedling and Rushcliffe borough councils want to ban smoking in play areas.

Rushcliffe is developing a smoke-free play area project in West Bridgeford as part of a county wide plan to reduce the harmful effects of smoking.

In Rushcliffe smoking is estimated to be costing the economy £23 million a year with 15% of residents addicted to the harmful habit.

The cost comes through smoking-related diseases, absence from work, downtime at work due to cigarette breaks, fires and the costs of long term care.

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Smoking: the facts

• 100,000 people in the UK die each year due to smoking.
• The life expectancy of a long-term smoker is ten years less than a non-smoker.
• Half of all smokers die from smoking-related diseases.

Department of Health

What’s in a cigarette?

• Nicotine – This is the drug that stimulates the brain and creates the addiction. When nicotine levels fall in the blood this creates withdrawal symptoms that only relieved by the next cigarette.
• Tar – Deposits in the lungs and gets into the blood. It also contains over 50 carcinogens (causes of cancer) and other poison
• Carbon Monoxide – This chemical reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood and, in pregnant women, can cause a reduced amount of oxygen to get to the growing baby.

For tips on how to quit smoking click here

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The plan is part of a county wide declaration by Rushliffe, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Council to help people stop smoking and improve their health.

The news comes after a new law was passed last to make smoking in cars when there are children present illegal.

From October 1 drivers in the county will no longer be allowed to smoke in private vehicles that are carrying anyone under 18.