PUPILS from Cumnock held five clocks aloft to highlight how the harmful chemicals from second-hand smoke can linger for up to five hours.

Pupils from both Barshare and Greenmill Primary School showed their support for the Take It Right Outside campaign as parents were encouraged to help protect their generation from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Research to support the campaign highlighted people still think smoking in one room or leaving the door or window open is enough to protect their children, unaware that the second-hand smoke lingers and can move from room to room long after they think the smoke has gone.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke at home are more at risk of coughs, colds, ear problems, chest infections, wheezing, asthma, breathlessness and poorer lung function.

With 11 per cent of children in Scotland still exposed to second hand smoke in the home, the campaign is targeting those who think they are already doing enough to protect their children by highlighting the practical steps they can take to make their car and home smoke-free.

Angela Hastings, Headteacher at Barshare Primary School, said: We’re really pleased our pupils have been able to get involved in raising awareness of such an important issue. I think a lot of people will be surprised by how long second-hand smoke can linger, so it’s definitely a campaign the school is happy to get behind.”

The Scottish Government has a target of reducing the proportion of children exposed to second hand smoke to six per cent by 2020 – and with the target now five years away, the Cumnock pupils are the latest to show their support for making homes in Scotland smoke-free.

Gerard Curley, Head Teacher at Greenmill Primary School, said: At Greenmill, pupils are taught how smoking and second-hand smoke can have an impact on our health and wellbeing, so the opportunity to get behind the Take It Right Outside initiative is a great way of bringing what they’re learning in the classroom to life. We’re delighted to be able to support this message within our local community.”

Minister for Public Health Maureen Watt said: "We want every child in Scotland to breathe clean air when they’re in the home or the car.

“Children breathe faster than adults, and therefore breathe in more of the harmful chemicals contained in second-hand smoke. This campaign is about making sure people are aware that smoking in one room, or at an open window or back door, isn’t enough to protect them due to the fact that second-hand smoke lingers for up to five hours.

“The only way to ensure that a home is smoke-free is to never smoke indoors.

“We understand that everyone’s situation is different, but there are small changes parents can make to their smoking behaviour which will pay dividends in terms of protecting their children from second-hand smoke.”

For help and advice on how to take smoking right outside, visit www.rightoutside.org

6110 L-R Alix Milligan (P1 Barshare), Amy Patrick (P6 Greenmill), Sam Allan (P4 Barshare), Yasmin Kerr (P6 Barshare), Kayla Frew (P6 Greenmill), Aeryn McWilliam at front holding house sign (Barshare)