Scare tactics and the smoking ban

I READ with interest the increasing number of letters to Irish newspapers from Americans, usually representing some anti-smoking forum and applauding our absolute ban in Ireland.

As a review of the smoking ban is due soon and the mounting resentment of one million smokers in Ireland is beginning to be felt, it is important to look at the facts.

No one denies that smoking is bad for you, but there would seem to be some confusion as to whether ‘Environmental Tobacco Smoke’ (ETS) is also a health risk. Currently there are treatments for the various cancers, but not a cure.