A leaked report to the Government confirms that second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
According to the Evening Standard, the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (Scoth) report to Government concluded that “second-hand smoke represents a substantial public health hazard”.
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Campaigners Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) claims the report was given to the Government four months ago but that the findings have not been made public.
Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: “Workplaces will be safer when they are smoke free. Half measures will not save the 700 employees who die every year due to passive smoking at work.”