Ireland leads smoking ban for workers

IRELAND has taken the lead in protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke pollution, a European Commission-funded report has said.

It now shares the top slot with Sweden — smoking in bars and restaurants was banned in Sweden in 2005 — a year after Ireland imposed a complete ban on smoking in all workplaces.

Results from the 27 EU countries also puts Ireland in the top slot for the quality of its anti-smoking law.

And, in terms of its tobacco pricing policy, Ireland comes second in Europe, with Britain in the number one position.

It follows tests for carbon monoxide levels in more than 2,250 people in Ireland at music and sporting events, schools, colleges and hospitals since March 2006. The research is part of the European Commission’s communication campaign, HELP — For a Life Without Tobacco.

As part of the campaign carbon monoxide testing tents were set up throughout Europe. Both Ash Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society have played a vital role in the success of the campaign in Ireland.

Respiratory consultant and chairman of ASH, Professor Luke Clancy, who revealed the results of the Europe-wide study in Dublin yesterday, said they showed the positive effect of Ireland’s smoking ban.

“In time we will get a more complete picture of the long-term benefits the measure has had on our general health but, for now, the signs are good,” he said.

A total of 110,835 smokers and non-smokers took the carbon monoxide test across the 27 EU member states.

Countries with low taxation rates showed higher carbon monoxide rates than countries with high tobacco taxation.

Results were higher in countries with poor implementation laws than those with a total indoor tobacco ban.

Of those who participated 44% were smokers and 56% were non-smokers.

Those involved in the research said more testing would be needed next year for a more detailed analysis and definitive conclusions.

The most recent initiative undertaken by the commission is the development of a programme specifically designed to target school goers.

The HELP — Teaching Kit campaign aims to educate and deter young people at an early stage about the dangers associated with smoking and passive smoking.

Teachers are invited to order the kit free of charge on the campaign website www.help-eu.com. Young people are the main target of the HELP campaign and their attitude is considered crucial in discouraging smoking in Europe.

* www.ash.ie.