BMA demands smokefree workplaces

Passive Smoking Kills! Smokefree workplaces save lives! Introduce the legislation in Northern Ireland now!

This was the strong message delivered by the BMA in Northern Ireland at a briefing presentation in Belfast yesterday, Wednesday 15 September 2004.

Politicians, Trade Unions, the Retail Licensed Trade, the NI Tourist Board, healthcare organisations and representatives from Health Boards were among the delegates who came together at a special briefing to hear the reasons why the Government of Northern Ireland should introduce legislation for the province on smoke-free public places.

Speaking at the briefing, Dr Fenton Howell, ASH representative and leading campaigner for the smoking ban in the Republic of Ireland, said: "The evidence is clear. Smoke-free public places save lives. When they are in place, they are well respected and popular. As Ireland nears six months of being smoke-free, and Scotland looks poised to go the same way, I would urge the healthcare professionals and politicians here to lobby for the same protection for the people of Northern Ireland."

Also speaking at the briefing, Dr Sinéad Jones, Director of the BMA's Tobacco Control Resource Centre and authority on the damage caused by second-hand smoke said: "No safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke has been identified. Ventilation is not a solution and non-smoking areas offer only partial protection. Only smoke-free places protect health and Government must act now to make all enclosed public places - including workplaces - smoke-free by law."

For almost 20 years it has been BMA policy to ensure public places are free from second-hand tobacco smoke. The Association estimates that each year passive smoking kills at least 1000 people in the UK.

Dr Peter Maguire, Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Board of Science, also presenting at the briefing, referred to the recent announcement that the NI Civil Service would become a smoke-free workplace from 1 January 2005. He told the audience: "What is good for the Civil Service is good for the rest of the workforce in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must take action now. He has a responsibility to protect the health of people living in this country. Legislating to create smoke-free enclosed public places would be the single most effective law to improve health in this country."

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