Ash: Smoking should be banned around children

Babies and young children should not be exposed to any tobacco smoke, the health campaigning charity Ash says.

Earlier this year the government introduced a ban on smoking in public places but Ash believes parents should also try and make their homes smokefree to benefit their children.

The charity's comments follow new research which found that babies exposed to secondhand smoke in early infancy are more than twice as likely to develop some allergies.

"This study provides yet more evidence of the need to ensure that babies and young children are not exposed to tobacco smoke," said Amanda Sandford, Ash research manager.

"While the development of some allergies may not be fully understood, this research shows that one way of substantially reducing the risk is by banning smoking in the home."

Ms Sandford added: "The study adds to the already substantial body of evidence of the harmful impacts of secondhand smoke on children, particularly in the early years of development.

"Simply restricting smoking to certain rooms does not offer enough protection to infants and families should therefore make every effort to make their homes smokefree to give their children the best possible start in life."