The council will put posters for smoke-free homes and cars on the side of its refuse vehicles as part of a national campaign.

Launched this month, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers from second- hand smoke in the home and car.

It is said that millions of children in the UK are exposed to second-hand smoke that puts them at increased risk of lung disease, meningitis and cot death.

Cabinet member for health, Cllr Maureen Worby, said: “Because most second-hand smoke is invisible you can’t see what’s really there, and, because people can’t see the danger, they don’t think there is any.

“I urge everyone who smokes to take a look at this campaign and think about how their actions are affecting their children.”

It is said the cost to the NHS of treating second-hand smoke-related illness in children alone is £26 million per annum.

If you would like help to stop smoking contact your GP or local pharmacist, or call Barking and Dagenham Stop-Smoking Service on 020 8532 6284.

You can also visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree and order a free Smoke-Free Kit.