Local billboards targeting secondhand smoke

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) –  Both Hamilton County and state health officials have launch an anti-tobacco campaign aimed at educating the public about the effects of secondhand smoke on children.

The campaign involves the use of large billboards that are being placed throughout Southeast Tennessee.

During a morning press conference to introduce one of the first signs located on Cherokee Boulevard; health officials said they’re re trying to encourage parents to not smoke near their children in confined areas.

"Secondhand tobacco smoke puts children at risk for asthma, ear infections, respiratory infections and lots of other health problems," said Southeast Region Health Office Spokesperson Beth Delaney.

Health officials say that while many tobacco advocates may say this is yet another example of government oversight; the main idea is to protect the health of young children.

"We’re not saying you can’t smoke. We’re just saying that if you choose to smoke; can you not smoke in your homes and in your car. Try to keep them smoke free for your children and loved-ones that are around you," said Tobacco Settlement Coordinator Janie Burley.

WDEF caught up with Gerald Mason who attended the press conference. Mason says he personally knows the risk of secondhand smoke.

"I smoked in front of my children. One of my oldest sons has respiratory problems because I smoked in the car. One day I woke up and realized I was smoking four packs a day and said I got more sense than this and I just quit," Mason said.

But many years of smoking multiple packs of cigarettes have also caught up with him.

"I have a little problem with one of my lungs that is being looked at right now because of smoking. So I know the dangers and my family knows the dangers of smoking and we just try to pass it on to the people we impact everyday," he said.

Mason owns a local child daycare center and has teamed up with health officials to help educate parents about secondhand smoke. He says the billboards will definitely help raise awareness.

According to health officials, secondhand smoke can cause a laundry list of problems for small children:

• Impaired brain development
• Behavior and attention problems
• Ear Infections
• Frequent and severe asthma attacks
• Sudden infant death  syndrome

According to health officials, Tennessee has higher rates of tobacco use than the rest of the country, which contributes to poor health.

The campaign also targets third-hand smoke.

According to experts, third hand smoke is the toxic residue from cigarettes that cling to surfaces such as clothing, hair , skin and various surfaces that a child or adult may inhale or ingest.