Local authorities across the country are planning on implementing smoking bans in playgrounds.
82% of local authorities have already enforced a smoking ban or have agreed to do so.
This comes after the recent ban on smoking in cars with children which came into effect in January.
It was reported that as many as one in five children were exposed to second-hand smoke in cars, a shocking figure which caused cars to be added to the list of places where smoking is now banned.
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland was responsible for gathering these figures and were fearful of the results continuos exposure to second-hand smoke would have on children.
Director of Policy at the IPH, Dr Helen McAvoy said the findings showed “considerable progress” in the move towards smoke-free zones.
“The findings in the report show that considerable progress is being made in the implementation of smoke-free spaces and places across a range of different settings.
“This helps to reduce exposure to second hand smoke and to denormalise tobacco use for future generations.”
“The new law prohibiting smoking in cars came into effect in January 2016 and we would expect that the new legislation will, over time, like the ban on smoking in the workplace, support people to change their behaviour”
Dr McAvoy went on to discuss in detail the damage exposure to second-hand smoke can cause to a child or infants health.
“The frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure to second-hand smoke are significant in determining health outcomes for infants and children.
“Babies exposed to second- hand smoke are at a greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome and children who regularly breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to experience asthma, ear infections, and respiratory tract infections.”
