- Any more details?
The report, which was also funded by Cancer Research UK, found passive smoking causes 200 cases of bacterial meningitis and at least 22,000 new cases of wheezing and asthma every year. Each year, these cases generate more than 300,000 GP consultations and cost the NHS about £23.3m.
- What does the report suggest?
The report makes strong policy recommendations. It says the most effective means of protecting children from passive smoking is to reduce the prevalence of smoking in adults. It suggests mass media campaigns, advice and support from health professionals.
- PR strategy
The Times was given the story as an exclusive, before it was press released out. The in-house team at RCP was led by press and PR manager Linda Cuthbertson.
- Media coverage
The Times ran with an open letter from the RCP last Wednesday and covered the story on its front page.
BBC Breakfast, GMTV, Sky News, Radio Five Live and the Today programme also covered the story.
120k middle ear disease cases caused by passive smoking each year
1 in 5: sudden infant death syndromes caused by passive smoking
