FRESH Start Wales is encouraging people in Pontypool to help protect children from the dangers of second hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke increases the risk of cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), middle ear disease which can go on to cause deafness, asthma and other respiratory diseases and has also been linked to meningitis.

Most cigarette smoke is invisible and doesn’t have a smell, so adults who smoke in cars may be exposing their children to second hand smoke without realising it.

Anyone who would like to stop smoking in their car or quit altogether can request a Fresh Start pack, which contains advice on protecting your family from second hand smoke and practical tools to help smokers take the next step to give up smoking altogether.

The Fresh Start packs are available from pharmacies across Wales and can also be requested from www.freshstartwales.co.uk