Research published by the British Medical Journal has shown that ventilation systems do not protect pub workers or the public from second-hand smoke.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the British Medical Association (BMA), said documents obtained by the journal proved the only way to help people to avoid the dangers of second-hand smoke was to introduce a comprehensive ban on smoking in all enclosed public places.
Almost three-quarters of people (72%) across the UK support an all-out ban on smoking in places of work, including pubs and restaurants, recent research showed. The YouGov survey of 3,600 respondents was commissioned by Cancer Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health.
Ministers are due to vote on a law to ban smoking in public place in early February.
“MPs in Westminster will soon have the chance to use their free vote to decide whether England will follow Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and go totally smoke free,” Nathanson said.
“I urge them to read this paper – the only way to protect the public from second hand smoke is to have a complete ban.
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“Half measures will leave many of their constituents at risk from cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems,” she said.
For the full British Medical Journal article go to: http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/january/ac227.pdf
