Thousands of children are being exposed every day to the ‘invisible menace’ of second-hand smoke.

More than 40% of 14 and 15-yearolds in East Sussex live in a house where someone smokes indoors on most days.

Health bosses warn this is putting them at a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, meningitis and sudden infant death syndrome.

Research shows children of smokers are also three times more likely to start smoking themselves – increasing their chances of further health problems in adult life.

A campaign is being run by health officials and East Sussex County Council to highlight the dangers of second-hand smoke and what people can do to avoid it.

Cynthia Lyons, East Sussex acting director of public health, said: “Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health, but some smokers do not realise the harm their smoke is doing to others around them – especially children.

“By smoking around children, adults are exposing them to an invisible menace that contains 4,000 chemicals and 50 known carcinogens.

“The message is clear – there is no such thing as safe exposure to smoke, and the only way adults can protect children is to make their homes and cars completely smokefree.”

For details about the campaign, go to www.facebook.com/ ShareASmileSussex.

Free help and advice, along with details of stop smoking services, an be found at stopsmokingineastsussex.co.uk or on 0800 9178896.