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Northern Ireland Goes Smoke Free
30/04/2007
30 April 2007
Space to breathe for everyone as Northern Ireland goes smoke-free
From today, people throughout Northern Ireland will no longer be exposed to toxic second-hand smoke in enclosed public places following the introduction of the smoke-free legislation.
This major public health measure means that it is now against the law to smoke in most workplaces, public places and certain vehicles in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Paul Goggins said; “Second-hand smoke is a toxic cocktail of around 4000 chemicals - many of which cause cancer. It is internationally accepted that there can be NO safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
“Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke are 20%-30% more likely to develop lung cancer – not to mention the other illnesses and diseases. It is regrettable and astonishing that second-hand smoke accounts for the loss of around 278 lives each year in Northern Ireland.
“People do not want to breathe in other people’s smoke. That was made very clear at the consultation stage of this legislation. By reducing our level of exposure, this legislation will improve health and save lives”
Evidence from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland has shown that there has been a massive improvement in air quality in bars and restaurants as a result of smoke-free legislation. The Republic has already seen an 83% reduction in air pollution in Irish pubs and an 80% decrease in airborne carcinogens for both patrons and staff since the introduction of their smoke-free legislation.
The new legislation has the support of major health charities and lobbying organisations across Northern Ireland including the Health Promotion Agency, Ulster Cancer Foundation, Action Cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support, British Medical Association, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Royal College of Nursing, Chest, Heart and Stroke NI and the Institute of Public Health.
Paul Goggins continued: “Smoke-free legislation is now working in many places throughout the world. I have no doubt that the same benefits will be reaped here.”
A compliance telephone line will operate from 30 April 2007. This will allow the public to report breaches of smoke-free legislation. The telephone number for the compliance line is 0845 603 2500 (calls will be charged at local rate
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