Smoking bans lead to 'immediate drop' in premature births

Laws banning smoking in public places have lead to an "immediate drop" in premature births and severe childhood asthma attacks within a year of being introduced, the author of a new report has said.

Dr Jasper Been, whose research team analysed 11 previous studies from North America and Europe, told the Today programme that smoke-free legislation is also leading to pregnant women smoking less "in their own homes".

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday 28 March.