PARENTS in Bolton are unaware of the hidden dangers second hand smoke posses to children, a health watchdog has said.

Public Health England issued the warning after research showed that 99 per cent of people underestimated the level of toxicity in smoke, particularly in cars.

The campaign is also highlighting new regulations introduced by MPs last year which make it illegal to smoke in a car carrying children, from October this year.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer said: “Smoking just a single cigarette in a car exposes children to high levels of air pollutants and cancer causing chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde and tar.

“The passing of regulations to make smoking in cars carrying under 18s illegal is a significant victory for protecting children’s health from secondhand smoke.”

The research from Tobacco Free Futures found that 99 per cent of people did not know that smoke contains 4,500 dangerous chemicals, while less than a third knew that 80 per cent of smoke is invisible.

The survey showed 97 per cent of the region agreed that smoking in cars with children should be banned.

Father, Andrew Henderson, from Kearsley, said: “I know there is a potential law change coming in making it illegal to smoke in the car with a child present. I am an ex-smoker.

“I started at 16 years and stopped at 28 years old. I have a little girl of five. I'm so glad I stopped before I had her.

“I support smokefree cars as I am a personal trainer, and I know smoking is bad for you. The damage of secondhand smoke in cars is even worse than I thought.”

While smoking rates have declined over past decades, smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable illness and premature deaths.

The Smokefree Homes and Cars campaign features advertising on TV, radio and online throughout February.

Smokers can search ‘smokefree’ or visit nhs.uk/smokefree for a range of free support and quitting advice.