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UCF Demand Protection Against Cancer Causing Substance from Government
By Derval Keenan, 2/3/2005 4:39:40 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) who co-ordinate ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) is demanding that Government introduce healthy smokefree workplaces in Northern Ireland as a number one priority.
The new English White Paper on Public Health plans to make most enclosed public areas, including offices and factories smokefree, however private clubs and pubs, which do not serve prepared food, would be exempt from this new legislation.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, ?This White Paper is really a ?smokescreen? which will not protect all workers from cancer causing substances. The Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health report (SCOTH) leaked last month, specifically identified bar staff as those particularly at risk. It confirms that exposure to other people?s smoke increases non-smokers risk of both lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease by approximately one quarter. In the UK Deaths in the pub trade alone from tobacco smoke pollution are estimated at one a week, an unacceptable cost of working in this industry.
?This new legislation does not include Northern Ireland where there is very strong political and public support for healthy smokefree workplaces. NI workers don?t need a confused fudge like this but rather clear, enforceable and popular legislation that we will be consulted on, unlike the current Public Health White Paper.
?This new legislation will set up a hierarchy of workers where some workers are protected from lethal substances while others have to endure tobacco pollution in the line of duty. We must stop regarding smoking as a right and breathing clean air as a privilege. We must protect workers from passive smoking in the same way that we would protect them from asbestos or other cancer causing pollutants.
?Currently individual employers are obliged to address this issue in their own setting. Government needs to take its responsibility seriously with no half measures. It is ludicrous to suggest that some employees should be protected while others in the hospitality industry continue to be exposed to carcinogenic substances.
?By passing the buck to local authorities or councils, the Government is in danger of setting up a patchwork of provision with major local variations. It would be legally unstable ? some workers would be protected by the law while many others would not, especially those who are low paid and ununionised, who would have to take personal legal action against their employer to gain the same rights.
?This new legislation won?t meet the government?s own targets for a reduction in smoking, therefore their health services bills will be much higher than what they have budgeted for over coming years.
?Smoking is the largest single cause of preventable death and ill health in our society today, 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.
?Since the successful implementation of policies in the Republic there has been a growing groundswell of public support for the introduction of the legislation here. The NIO, Secretary of State and Health Minister must act decisively in introducing laws that will protect the health of employees and customers from cancer causing substances in the workplace.?
If you would like a copy of the Ulster Cancer Foundation?s new leaflet ?For a Smoke-free Environment - Passive smoking damages your health? please call UCF on 028 9049 2007 or for further information on UCF?s smoking cessation services log onto ulstercancer.org
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For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577 or Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation
on 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
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