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UCF call on Health Minister to protect local Workforce
By Derval Keenan, 9/26/2005 2:59:09 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is maintaining pressure on the Health Minister, Shaun Woodward, until he takes decisive action to protect local workers from second-hand smoke.
Gerry McElwee, UCFs Head of Cancer Prevention explains, Research from countries that have introduced smoke-free workplaces shows that that they are necessary, workable and popular but above all, protect workers health.
We have written to all MPs and MLAs calling them to put pressure on the Minister to ensure that his forthcoming decision on smoke-free workplaces reflects the overwhelming wish of local people to live in a healthy, smoke-free environment. 71,000 people voted in Northern Ireland in the public consultation earlier this year and 91% were in favour of an end to smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
Gerry added, In June, the Minister asked for time to consider economic arguments, implementation issues and public opinion. We have now provided him with conclusive evidence on these issues and countered the spurious arguments raised by vested interests.
The primary issue is one of employees health. Second-hand smoke contains 4,000 chemicals including benzene and arsenic, 60 of which cause cancer. Smoking is responsible for 2,800 deaths each year in Northern Ireland and is a major contributor to disability, illness and health inequalities.
We need to work together and take responsibility for the public health if we are not to be faced with even greater health burdens in the future.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR Manager, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07810 371118
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577
Notes to Editors:
Ø Smoking is not only the primary cause of lung cancer, it also causes cancer of the urinary tract, head and neck, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, bone marrow and cervix.
Ø The World Health Organisation International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that second hand smoke causes lung cancer in non-smokers and is also a cause of heart disease and stroke in adults.
Ø The UKs Independent SCOTH report in 2004 said, No infant or adult should be exposed to second-hand smoke
some groups, for example, bar staff are heavily exposed at their place of work.
Ø In New York, one year after the 2003 Smoke Free Air Act banning smoking in all workplaces came into effect, business receipts for restaurants and bars had increased by 8.7%, employment had risen with 10,600 new jobs, virtually all establishments were complying with the law and the number of new liquor licenses issued had increased all signs that New York City bars and restaurants are prospering. (Source: Smoke Free Europe makes Economic Sense by the Smokefree Europe Partnership)
Ø In Ireland, the number of employees in the hospitality sector at the end of 2004 exceeded those employed in 2002 by 0.6% despite the smoking ban taking effect in all indoor public places in March 2004. Recent data on tourism and travel shows that there was a 3.2% increase in visitors to Ireland in 2004 when compared to 2003. The drop in bar sales in 2004 was approx 4%, in keeping with annual trends since 2000. (Source: Smoke Free Europe makes Economic Sense by the Smokefree Europe Partnership)
Ø The recent European Commission Joint Research Centre Report states that ventilation
..would not lead to a meaningful improvement of air quality. Moreover, the results show that wind tunnel like rates or other high rates of diluted ventilation would be expected to be required
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Ø Tobacco smoke is already one of the major causes of health inequalities between rich and poor. Any decision other than a total smoking ban in public places would lead to discrimination with some workers being protected while lower paid, often un-unionised workers (and their customers) would continue to be exposed to cancer causing substances at work.
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