Second Hand Smoke

Second hand smoke (passive smoking) is other peoples tobacco smoke and is a major source of indoor air pollution. For more than a decade, convincing scientific evidence has been available to demonstrate that exposure to second hand smoke both harms health and worsens existing health problems (BMA 2002 *)
*Towards Smoke-free Public Places, British Medical Association, November 2002

Health Effects

Tobacco smoke, whatever it's source is damaging to health – it doesn't matter whether it comes from a cigarette, pipe or cigar. Standing in the path of a smoker or their cigarette or being in a room in which there are smokers means being exposed to at least 50 agents known to cause cancer and other chemicals that increase blood pressure, damage the lungs and cause abnormal kidney function.

Some of the immediate effects of second-hand smoke are coughing, eye irritation, sore throat, breathing problems – possibly an asthma attack.

The long-term health effects are worsening of chest problems and allergies like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and hayfever, increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer. In pregnant women exposure to second-hand smoke can result in harmful gases and chemicals being passed on to their babies.

Health Committee Report

The Assembly established a Committee to review the evidence available on smoking in public places. They produced a report in May 2005 which forms the basis for the new smoking regulations.

The evidence they reviewed found that exposure to other people's cigarette smoke (passive smoking) can:

  • Increase the risk of cancer and heart disease
  • Place extra stress on the heart and affect the body's ability to take in and use oxygen
  • Trigger asthma attacks
  • Harm children and babies even more than adults
  • Increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

(Chief Medical Officer for England report 2002)

Occupational Exposure

Everyone who breathes in second-hand smoke is affected, however as the detrimental effect increases with length of exposure, certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Occupationally exposed workers can be exposed to tobacco smoke for up to 8 hours a day. This is a far higher exposure level than most smokers. Second-hand smoke is likely to be responsible for 54 deaths in the hospitality industry each year. (British Medical Journal April 2005;330;812)

Ventilation

Ventilation cannot protect people from the hazards of second-hand smoke. Ventilation moves air around and may remove some of the large particles but it does not remove the carcinogens from cigarette smoke which continue to circulate and be inhaled.

Smoking rooms

Smoking rooms/areas are not effective in preventing exposure to passive smoke, as smoke can drift into other rooms or areas. Non smokers may also have to use the room e.g. cleaners.

The new legislation will save lives of both workers and those who visit the places where smoking is banned. In addition it will improve air quality, reduce illness, provide more smokers with the chance to give up, and enhance millions of people's quality of life at work and in leisure time.

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