15/09/2004
BMA renews call for NI smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has today intensified pressure on the government to introduce a ban on smoking in public places in Northern Ireland.
At a conference in Belfast today, Dr Fenton Howell - who spearheaded the smoking ban campaign in the Republic of Ireland - told delegates that smoke-free public places would "save lives".
As evidence of the damaging effects of passive smoking continues to mount, Dr Howell urged healthcare professionals and politicians here to "lobby for the protection of people's health".
Research has found that second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30%, heart disease by 25-35% and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
Also at the conference, deputy chairman of the BMA's Board of Science, Newry doctor Peter Maguire praised the Northern Ireland Civil Service's announcement of a workplace ban to take effect from January 2005, and said that the introduction of anti-smoking legislation would be the single most effective way of improving the country's health.
Six months after the introduction of the ban in the Republic, sales of cigarettes have slumped, with Gallaher's reporting a significant 7% decrease in sales there.
(mmcg/gmcg)
At a conference in Belfast today, Dr Fenton Howell - who spearheaded the smoking ban campaign in the Republic of Ireland - told delegates that smoke-free public places would "save lives".
As evidence of the damaging effects of passive smoking continues to mount, Dr Howell urged healthcare professionals and politicians here to "lobby for the protection of people's health".
Research has found that second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30%, heart disease by 25-35% and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
Also at the conference, deputy chairman of the BMA's Board of Science, Newry doctor Peter Maguire praised the Northern Ireland Civil Service's announcement of a workplace ban to take effect from January 2005, and said that the introduction of anti-smoking legislation would be the single most effective way of improving the country's health.
Six months after the introduction of the ban in the Republic, sales of cigarettes have slumped, with Gallaher's reporting a significant 7% decrease in sales there.
(mmcg/gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.