Menu
14/01/2005
BMA criticises tobacco industry claims
Tobacco industry claims that ventilation in bars could help protect people form the effects of passive smoke, have been condemned by the Scottish branch of the British Medical Association (BMA).
The BMA issued a statement, following a conference held by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, saying that the claims were "untrue and based on flawed science".
The association said that ventilation systems would not reduce the risk caused by hazardous secondary smoke. Although ventilation systems use a filtration method to re-circulate air, this will only clear the smoky atmosphere, the BMA says, while the toxins present in the gas of second-hand smoke will remain.
A report published by the World Health Organisation in 2000, echoed the BMA's claims stating that while positive output ventilation may reduce the risk, it does not eliminate it. The organisation concluded that since there is no evidence for a safe exposure level to second-hand smoke, legislation limited to ventilation standards can not achieve smoke free workplaces and public places.
Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of BMA Scotland, said: "Passive smoke kills. Businesses installing expensive ventilation systems will do so in the belief that they are protecting staff and the public from the ill-effects of second-hand smoke. They are mistaken."
Dr Terry said that although ventilation could help reduce the irritability of smoke, it could not eliminate its poisonous components. He said: "Tobacco smoke contains 4,000 toxins and more than 50 cancer-causing substances. Many of these are odourless, invisible gases, which are not removed by ventilation systems."
He added: "Partial bans on smoking in enclosed public places would not protect people from the harmful health effects of exposure to passive smoke and voluntary measures have failed. Smoke free enclosed public places are what Scotland wants and needs. The only way to protect the significant majority of the population who do not smoke is to legislate for smoke-free enclosed public places."
(KMcA/SP)
The BMA issued a statement, following a conference held by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, saying that the claims were "untrue and based on flawed science".
The association said that ventilation systems would not reduce the risk caused by hazardous secondary smoke. Although ventilation systems use a filtration method to re-circulate air, this will only clear the smoky atmosphere, the BMA says, while the toxins present in the gas of second-hand smoke will remain.
A report published by the World Health Organisation in 2000, echoed the BMA's claims stating that while positive output ventilation may reduce the risk, it does not eliminate it. The organisation concluded that since there is no evidence for a safe exposure level to second-hand smoke, legislation limited to ventilation standards can not achieve smoke free workplaces and public places.
Dr Peter Terry, Chairman of BMA Scotland, said: "Passive smoke kills. Businesses installing expensive ventilation systems will do so in the belief that they are protecting staff and the public from the ill-effects of second-hand smoke. They are mistaken."
Dr Terry said that although ventilation could help reduce the irritability of smoke, it could not eliminate its poisonous components. He said: "Tobacco smoke contains 4,000 toxins and more than 50 cancer-causing substances. Many of these are odourless, invisible gases, which are not removed by ventilation systems."
He added: "Partial bans on smoking in enclosed public places would not protect people from the harmful health effects of exposure to passive smoke and voluntary measures have failed. Smoke free enclosed public places are what Scotland wants and needs. The only way to protect the significant majority of the population who do not smoke is to legislate for smoke-free enclosed public places."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2003
Royal Colleges urge smoking ban in public
A group of leading surgeons and medical experts have called for a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, in a letter sent to the Times Newspaper. The UK’s medical Royal Colleges and their Faculties stated in the letter that "the time has come for legislation to make public places smoke free".
Royal Colleges urge smoking ban in public
A group of leading surgeons and medical experts have called for a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, in a letter sent to the Times Newspaper. The UK’s medical Royal Colleges and their Faculties stated in the letter that "the time has come for legislation to make public places smoke free".
28 September 2004
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
30 June 2004
BMA urges Prime Minister to ban smoking in public places
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for all Britain's workplaces to become smokefree at the organisation's annual conference in Wales today. The BMA said that it will be sending 4,500 letters, written by doctors demanding a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places, to the Prime Minister next week.
BMA urges Prime Minister to ban smoking in public places
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for all Britain's workplaces to become smokefree at the organisation's annual conference in Wales today. The BMA said that it will be sending 4,500 letters, written by doctors demanding a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places, to the Prime Minister next week.
09 June 2015
LFB Urges People To Ensure They Have Smoke Alarms
London Fire Brigade has urged people to check the smoke alarms in their homes, following a fire in a block of flats in Lewisham. A family of four were asleep in their flat when the smoke alarm alerted them to a fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
LFB Urges People To Ensure They Have Smoke Alarms
London Fire Brigade has urged people to check the smoke alarms in their homes, following a fire in a block of flats in Lewisham. A family of four were asleep in their flat when the smoke alarm alerted them to a fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
09 November 2010
'Generation Super Gran' Dismiss Home Fire Risk
Over-65s are putting their lives at risk when it comes to the life threatening danger of a fire in the home, with almost 80% dismissing the possibility of fire. Dubbed 'Generation Super-Gran', England’s over 65s are more active and independent than ever, with role models such as Felicity Kendal, Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley.
'Generation Super Gran' Dismiss Home Fire Risk
Over-65s are putting their lives at risk when it comes to the life threatening danger of a fire in the home, with almost 80% dismissing the possibility of fire. Dubbed 'Generation Super-Gran', England’s over 65s are more active and independent than ever, with role models such as Felicity Kendal, Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
