A GLOBAL campaign to protect children against the dangers of second-hand smoke will be launched tomorrow to mark World Cancer Day.

In the first initiative of its kind, the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) will lead a year-long effort to warn parents that smoking in the home and car can expose their children to chronic health risks.

The "I love my smoke-free childhood" campaign will also urge mothers not to smoke while pregnant and encourage parents to teach children to stay away from second-hand smoke, According to the UICC, 700 million children around the world regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke. This can increase the risk of cot death and low birthweight in babies.

While Scotland is among a number of countries to have banned smoking in public places, UICC president Dr Franco Cavalli said it was also crucial to educate parents.

"Countries with 100% smoke-free laws should be commended for their legacy to healthier families," he said.

"In these nations the percentage of children exposed to second-hand smoke has decreased over time.

"While this trend is encouraging, this approach alone will not protect children from secondhand smoke."

Elspeth Lee, head of tobacco control at Cancer Research UK, said children exposed to second-hand smoke were at a particular risk because their bodies are still developing.

She said there is conclusive evidence second-hand smoke can cause respiratory illnesses including asthma and chest infections, and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.