HPA highlights dangers of passive smoking

The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) in Northern Ireland has launched a new campaign highlighting the dangers of passing smoking.

Commenting on the issue, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Dr Henrietta Campbell said she could not stress enough that “passive smoking kills”.

“I cannot stress too strongly the importance of all employers having in place clearly defined policies on smoking,” she said. “Should the Government, or a future devolved administration, decide to introduce new legislation in this area, it will take some time for a ban to come into force. That is why it is vital that we continue to promote the adoption of smoke-free facilities in order to protect employees sooner rather than later.”

The campaign pack, ‘Protecting your workforce from tobacco smoke. A guide for employers’, includes information to help workplaces implement a no smoking policy.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “Many workers are totally unaware of the damage second-hand smoke can do. 85% of second-hand smoke is odourless and invisible but it can still cause deadly damage.

“With this in mind we are encouraging smokers not to expose others to the damaging health effects of their habit and hope it further adds to the number of smokers likely to make a quit attempt, as well as supporting ex-smokers who want to stay that way.”

The new campaign includes television advertising and a pack to help workplaces devise a smoking policy and is being targeted at employers and those responsible for welfare.

(MB/SP)