Parents urged not to smoke around kids

LONDON, June 24 (UPI) -- Health experts in Britain are warning parents who smoke that lighting up in front of their children raises the chances their children will become smokers.

Sir Liam Donaldson, one of Britain's top doctors, said there would be further crackdown on cigarettes after a smoking ban comes into effect next weekend.

Donaldson told The Observer numerous public health advertising campaigns are planned to educate parents who smoke about the risks to their children.

Donaldson said the risks of parents smoking in front of their children include respiratory diseases, bronchitis, ear infections and asthma, the British newspaper said.

To further deter Britons from smoking, future plans include removing cigarettes from public display, banning the sale of 10-cigarette packs and putting graphic picture warnings on cigarette packs, The Observer reported.