The new laws, which come into effect on Wednesday 22nd September, means smoking will be banned within the flags at beaches; in cars with children and within 10m of playground equipment.

Smoking will also be restricted in outdoor eating areas and tobacco products will be banned from display in shops.

“Smoking causes a multitude of health risks and problems, not just for the smoker,” Asthma Foundation of WA spokeswoman Fiona Gardener said.

·         For children, being exposed to second hand smoke increases their risk of acute respiratory infections and more severe asthma.

·         Women who smoke during pregnancy are harming the development of their baby’s lungs, often with long term consequences.

·         For anyone standing near a smoker, second-hand cigarette smoke is a major asthma trigger.

·         Smokers with asthma have more airway damage and lose their lung function faster

“These new laws are an important step in reducing community exposure to second hand smoke,” Fiona said.

“The children of smokers are more likely to be plagued with chest infections and other illnesses, and may have an increased likelihood of developing asthma,” Fiona said.

 “Smoking is linked  to a number of health conditions, hopefully these new measures will be yet another reason to quit for the last remaining smokers out there who are endangering their lives and the lives of those around them.”

To find out more about the effect that cigarette smoke has on young children and people with asthma, visit our Asthma and Smoking Fact Sheet.