Welsh government bans smoking in family cars

As the first phase of Fresh Start Wales campaign begins, the Welsh Government urges parents across the county to keep their cars smoke free for protecting children from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke in an enclosed space, reports BBC. A smoking cessation campaign organised by Fresh Start, which called the ban over smoking in the confined area like in the car where kids are present, was launched by Dr Tony Jewell, chief medical officer for Wales, the public service broadcaster learns. Supporting the campaign, Dr Jewell said chemicals in second-hand smoke can lead to sudden infant death syndrome and asthma in children, adding that research proves that the level of toxic chemicals is very high inside cars. First Minister Carwyn Jones stated that if smoking levels do not reduce even after the campaign then they won't hesitate continuing the ban on smoking in cars carrying children later in his government's five-year term, notes the UK-based broadcaster. Simon Clark from the tobacco lobby group Forest is one of the few people who believe that the smoking ban would be too much. "I disagree that they're poisoning children but I support the campaign" BBC quoted Mr Clark, as saying. Chris Mulholland, head of head of the British Lung Foundation Wales, backed the campaign saying evidence show public would support a ban and legislation can help protecting children, notes the world's largest broadcaster. As reported by BBC, the British Medical Association welcomed the campaign and has called for a total ban on smoking in cars, regardless of the occupant's age. Hopeful about the success of the campaign, the Welsh government believes that the campaign will help cutting smoking rates. Read about the campaign in full here.