|
|
|
UCF shocked at Government?s Reluctance to Publicise Health Damage of Passive Smoking
By Derval Keenan, 11/29/2004 10:33:39 AM
|
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is shocked that the Government has not disclosed findings of a report prepared by the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH) a number of months ago, which shows the extent of the health damage caused by breathing in other people?s cigarette smoke.
Gerry Mc Elwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?It is absolutely crucial that this new information be made available to the public, especially when there is so much debate about smoke free workplaces and a White Paper on Public Health is imminent.
The leaked report points out that:
- There is an increased risk of lung cancer for non-smokers exposed
to second hand smoke of about 24%
- The increased risk of heart disease is in the order of 25%
- Children are at particular risk from secondhand smoke with an increased risk of pneumonia and bronchitis, asthma attacks, middle ear disease, decreased
lung function and sudden infant death syndrome
- 700 premature deaths are caused each year in UK workplaces by exposure to secondhand smoke.
Secretary of State, John Reid has suggested that any new policies ending smoking in the workplace might not include bars and restaurants. Gerry continued, ?This is completely absurd because if bars and restaurants are exempt from any new ?smokefree workplace? legislation, the people who are most exposed to second hand smoke at work, will continue to be at risk. This is unacceptable.
?UCF are continuing to work with local politicians to ensure that legislation for Northern Ireland will be comprehensive and will protect the health of all employees. Should the UK Government?s White Paper not fully address this issue, UCF are encouraging our local politicians to ensure that the rights of workers, here in the north, are safeguarded in the same way as employees in the Republic.?
-ends-
For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 or 07880 504577 or Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / dervalkeenan@ulstercancer.org
|
|
|
