A bear named Big Tiny is taking the second hand smoke message into the workplaces of Lanarkshire.

Tiny is asking those who smoke to be aware of the dangers of second hand smoke, particularly its impact on young children, and take their smoking well away from any environment in which children are in.

The message is at the heart of the ‘Big Tiny’ campaign, an initiative visiting local workplaces to encourage smokers to take their smoking outdoors.

NHS Lanarkshire health improvement senior, Tracy-Ann Kidd is leading the campaign in Lanarkshire and recently took it to Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd in Uddingston as part of a wider health week being held by the company.

Tracy-Ann said: “People are always surprised when they hear how exposure to second hand smoke can increase a child’s risk of developing or worsening their asthma as well as respiratory and ear infections, and meningitis.

“It also surprises them when they hear how 85 per cent of cigarette smoke is invisible, has no smell, and can linger about a house for up to five hours.

“We want to give people this information, not to lecture them or make them feel guilty, but simply to highlight to them that second hand smoke is more dangerous than many people think – especially for children as their lungs are still developing and are more sensitive and they breathe quicker than adults which means they breathe in more of the smoke.”

The Big Tiny campaign aims to get this information across to parents, carers and grandparents and is asking those who smoke that if they are going to have a cigarette, to take it right outside and close the door and windows and take seven steps away from the door before lighting up.  

Shirley Mitchell, NHS Lanarkshire stop smoking service manager said: “I’ve yet to meet a smoker who doesn’t regret starting and none want their children to start as they’re well aware of the negative health implications.

“But not all parents are fully aware of the threat posed by second hand smoke which is why we’re taking this message into workplaces to help people make their cars and homes smoke free.”

To find out more about second hand smoke visit www.rightoutside.co.uk

For more on the Big Tiny bear campaign, including free downloadable resources, visit: www.BigTiny.co.uk

NHS Lanarkshire’s nurse specialist Stop Smoking Services are free, friendly, and for anyone who is thinking about stopping smoking and will even come to workplaces. Call 0300 303 0242 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or text ‘advice’ to 81066.

Photo caption: Tracy-Ann Kidd (left) with Roger Peters, organisational development co-ordinator at Dawnfresh Seafoods Ltd.