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Ulster Cancer Foundation Calls For Support At Alliance Party Conference
By Derval Keenan, 4/23/2004 4:11:27 PM
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Today the Ulster Cancer Foundation organised a fringe meeting at the Alliance Party Conference to demand that Government provide a healthy smoke-free environment for all workers.
The charity is campaigning for Government to follow the example of the Republic of Ireland, Norway and parts of the USA and introduce smoke-free environments in all workplaces including pubs and restaurants.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“Second-hand smoke is a major health hazard, it contains over 4,000 chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified environmental tobacco smoke as a known human (class A) carcinogen. This has been confirmed by research from numerous respected organisations worldwide. We must protect workers from passive smoking in the same way that we would protect them from asbestos or other harmful pollutants.?”
The Ulster Cancer Foundation believes that the smoking ban is an issue of urgent priority on the political and social agenda. Gerry continued, ?“Every year in Northern Ireland, smoking causes 2,800 deaths from cancer and other illnesses and we are encouraging all employers to implement a no smoking policy.
The ban locally would lead to 15,000 smokers giving up smoking and would have four times more impact on current smoking levels than last year?’s tobacco advertising ban . We are confident that the Alliance Party will help us attain the UCF?’s vision of healthy smoke-free workplaces.?”
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Issued for and on behalf of the Ulster Cancer Foundation:
For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 07880 504577
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