Tuesday 31 May 2005
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc.)
Healthy Homes Mean Smokefree Homes
Today is World Smokefree Day and the perfect opportunity to make your home smokefree.
Since 10 December last year all indoor workplaces, including clubs, restaurants and bars have been smokefree. This new
law is especially welcomed by the 800,000 New Zealanders who have respiratory disease and can now breathe safe air while
they socialise without worrying about a smoke-induced attack.
"While huge progress has been made in workplaces throughout the country we've still got plenty of work to do to make
sure our homes are pollution-free," says Jane Patterson, Executive Director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of
New Zealand.
"New Zealand has one of the highest rates of respiratory disease in the world. One in four of our children have
difficulty breathing. Smoking exacerbates the problem. We need to take responsibility for the health of our homes and
provide a smokefree environment for our kids."
The Foundation continues to promote "healthy homes" for all New Zealanders following their campaign for Asthma Awareness
Week 2005 offering cost-effective and easy tips to convert homes into "warm, dry and pollution free" environments.
"An easy way to protect yourself and your family from second-hand smoke pollutants is by making your home and car
smokefree."
Following are some practical suggestions for your home:
* Make a rule -- your home is smokefree at all times, for everyone.
* Let other people know - put Smokefree Home / Whare Auahi Kore stickers in places around your home where everyone will
see them. These stickers are free from your local District Health Board.
* Remove all ashtrays from inside your home.
* Ask people who want to smoke to go outside.
* Celebrate your home being smokefree.
World Smokefree Day is a World Health Organization initiative celebrated globally each year on 31 May.
ENDS