BMA dismisses smoking ‘myths’
The British Medical Association has attacked the tobacco industry for suggestions that there is no danger to exposure to second-hand smoke.
And, it has reiterated its calls for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places and workplaces.
Labour has said it would ban smoking in public places and most workplaces, including all pubs which serve food, if re-elected.
The Liberal Democrats are in favour of an out-right ban, whilst the Conservatives favour a voluntary agreement with industry.
According to the BMA’s new report, passive smokers could have a 30 per cent increased risk of cancer. It further accuses opponents to the ban of generating ‘myths’.
Entitled ‘Behind the Smokescreen’ the BMA says the report will clear the air surrounding evidence on the danger of second hand smoke.
It claims that opponents of the legislation, such as the tobacco industry, have tried to falsely suggest that there is no danger from exposure to second hand smoke in public and workplaces.
In a submission to the Scottish Parliament’s health and community care committee in February this year, the Tobacco Manufacturing Association claimed the evidence of a link between environmental tobacco smoke and lung cancer was inconclusive.
But an independent review of evidence, detailed in the report, concluded that passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers by 20 to 30 per cent.
James Johnson, chairman of the BMA, said: “The medical profession is united in its calls for a UK-wide ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces.
“Recent research reports that passive smoking kills 30 people each day. The true cost of delaying legislation is not financial, it is human. With the general election only a week away the BMA strongly urges all political parties to read this report.”
“The case for a complete ban on smoking in all enclosed public places has never been better made.”
