A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization
Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
| Home | Search | About ASH | Why Join | Comment | Email page |
|
Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
|
UK: More than 2 Million People Are Exposed to Tobacco Smoke in the Workplace [09/03-1]
Excerpts from: Millions 'exposed to work smoke'
BBC News [09/03/04]
More than 2m people in the UK are exposed to tobacco smoke in their workplaces, anti-smoking groups say.
A further 10m people work in places where smoking is allowed somewhere on the premises, Ash and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health said. Recent research has shown that inhaling second-hand smoke at work may cause about 700 premature deaths a year. The groups are launching a guide to help councils reduce smoking in workplaces and enclosed public areas. The figures were calculated from the Labour Force Survey for 2003 and the National Statistics Omnibus Survey.
The groups reiterated their call for the government to ban smoking in public places - a move being considered by ministers.
Ash director Deborah Arnott said smoking was the single biggest health and safety hazard in UK workplaces. The number of premature deaths was three times the rate of deaths from industrial accidents. "It is time for central government to commit itself to a leadership role by introducing a total workplace ban.
"But even in the absence of central government action, there is a lot that local councils can and should be doing to move towards smoke-free workplaces and public places," she said.
| Home Web Page | Search This Site | Learn About ASH | Why Join ASH | Comment on This | Email This Page |