A SMOKER'S home in the central belt was more toxic than the average Scottish pub before the cigarette ban, tests show.
A shock study found that for around 27 of the 68 hours monitored in a house in Renfrew, particle levels were above the average found in bars, before they became smoke-free.
Air quality in the house was also 35 times more toxic than a busy Glasgow road.
Pollution levels were measured and compared to average air levels in Townhead to highlight the difference in average PM2.5 levels – the fine particles in the air that cause harm. 
The tests showed toxicity levels in the house were far greater.
Similar measurements were also carried out in Dundee and Lanarkshire, where both smokers’ homes far exceeded the pollution levels of nearby busy roads. 
The Scottish Government released the grim statistics to highlight the Take it Right Outside campaign, which aims to highlight the risks of second-hand smoke to children.
Dr Sean Semple, University of Aberdeen, said:  “These results highlight how smoking in the home can seriously affect air quality. 
“In this particular home, the fine particle levels were above the World Health Organisation safe limits for about 14 hours each day.  
“Children breathe faster than adults, meaning they breathe in more of these fine particles. These measurements also show that second-hand smoke can linger for many hours after a cigarette has been put out and can continue to harm children’s health even when you think the air has cleared. 
“If you smoke, the only way to ensure your children aren’t breathing in the harmful chemicals from second-hand smoke is to take smoking right outside and have a smoke-free home.”
In 2014, the Scottish Government announced a new target of reducing the proportion of children being exposed to second-hand smoke from 12 per cent to 6 per cent by 2020 – which would have the potential to protect up to 50,000 children.
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt added: “Statistics highlight that 11 per cent of children in Scotland are still being exposed to second-hand smoke within the home.  
“The Take it Right Outside campaign is about making sure people are aware that smoking in one room, or at an open window or back door, isn’t enough to protect their children due to the fact that second-hand smoke lingers for up to five hours.  
“We understand that everyone’s situation is different, but there are small changes parents can make to their smoking behaviour which will pay dividends in terms of protecting their children.”