UK
New Report on Smoke-Free Public Places
By BMA Scotland
Apr 28, 2005, 17:53

The BMA in Scotland has today (Thursday 28 April 2005) published a report that will clear the air on the smoking debate. The report, Behind the smokescreen, brings together evidence that supports the arguments in favour of the introduction of legislation to end smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland.

Behind the smokescreen identifies key arguments raised by opponents to legislation and presents the facts to challenge the myths generated in attempts to undermine the evidence in support of a ban. The publication considers four key arguments: choice; public opinion and enforcement; health and science; and economics.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has argued that legislation will simply shift smoking from public places to the home1. However, there is no evidence to support claims that the smoke-free law in Ireland has resulted in greater exposure to second-hand smoke in the home. In fact, international evidence suggests that smoke-free laws result in less exposure in the home2.

The Tobacco Industry continues to argue that there is no risk to health from exposure to second hand smoke3. However, an independent review of all available evidence on second hand smoke and cancer concluded exposure to other people�s smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in non smokers by 20-30 per cent4.

Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:

�I am proud that in Scotland we are leading the rest of the UK in the smoking debate. This is a tribute to devolution.

�The myths highlighted in this document are well rehearsed in Scotland, but that doesn�t make them true. There is no choice for non-smokers who have to socialise and work in smoke-filled rooms. Piecemeal measures to restrict smoking in public places will fail to protect the health of the people of Scotland. Economic arguments flounder in the face of international experience, and scientific evidence clearly links exposure to passive smoke with potentially disabling illness such as asthma and potentially fatal illness such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease.

�The time has come to clear the air. Here is the information to counter the arguments made by those who oppose a comprehensive ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.

�The evidence is clear, smoke-free public places save lives.�

The publication of this report comes as the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill later today.

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