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UCF welcomes Smokefree Sweden
By Derval Keenan, 6/17/2005 12:23:21 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) today welcomed Swedens move to introduce smokefree workplaces, effectively banning smoking in restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs from Wednesday 1st June.
Sweden now joins the Republic of Ireland, Norway, Italy and Malta in leading a smokefree Europe.
Clare Smith, Cancer Prevention Officer with UCF said, Swedens decisive move to introduce smokefree workplaces is to be applauded. Tomorrows introduction of a smokefree environment puts Sweden at the forefront of a growing international movement to control the damage tobacco does to health. It is now time for the new Health Minister Shaun Woodward to make smokefree workplaces in Northern Ireland a number one priority and take urgent action to follow Swedens example.
Smoking is the largest single cause of preventable death and ill health, killing 2,800 people in Northern Ireland every year. Ending smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places is the single most effective action the government could do to protect non-smokers and encourage more smokers to quit.
UCF has been the driving force behind mobilising health charities to actively lobby for a smokefree environment. Earlier this year, the charity launched Be Smokefree, Vote Option C campaign and delivered over 35,000 votes in favour of an end to smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces in Northern Ireland.
Second hand smoke is a major health hazard, containing over 4,000 chemicals. The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified environmental tobacco smoke as a known human (class A) carcinogen.
Clare added, No other carcinogen is freely available in our workplaces yet it would cost nothing to remove it other than political courage and leadership. We are calling the Health Minister to press ahead with smokefree workplace legislation in Northern Ireland.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie or Derval Keenan at UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007
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