NI Health MInister, Simon Hamilton, launched a new report which examines progress made in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke in Northern Ireland.
'Smoke-free Spaces' was produced by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in partnership with the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) and incorporates a 5 year review of smoke-free legislation. Access the full report here.
The Minister said: “This report clearly shows that smoke-free legislation in Northern Ireland has been a success. Not only have we protected people in their place of work from exposure to the many toxic chemicals produced by tobacco smoke but the legislation has also had an impact on smoking behaviour in other environments.”
He continued: “Opponents of the legislation claimed that it would lead to increased smoking in the home. I am happy to report the reverse has happened. By placing restrictions on where people can smoke in public, many smokers now think twice about lighting up in their own homes.”
A number of additional benefits have also been highlighted in the report. They include:
• a shift towards lower consumption of cigarettes between pre-ban and post-ban periods by both adult and child smokers;
• lower rates of smoking by pregnant women;
• reduced smoking prevalence by 11 to 16 year olds; and
• sustained high levels of compliance with the legislation by both individuals and businesses.
The Minister said: “While I am pleased that we are moving in the right direction in terms of protecting people from harm caused by second-hand smoke, I am conscious that further steps must be taken. My Department recently announced that all Trusts would be completely smoke-free by March 2016. In line with other jurisdictions, further consideration must be given to restricting smoking in areas currently not covered by smoke-free legislation.”
“Smoking is a highly destructive habit that leads to far too many people dying prematurely in Northern Ireland. It also remains one of the principal causes of health inequality here. There are around 600 specialist smoking cessation services available across all Trust areas and I would encourage all smokers wishing to quit to avail of this help.”
The report also takes account of the impact of the ban on smoking in enclosed public and workplaces, which was introduced in April 2007.
Notes to editors:
1. The report “Smoke-free spaces: Progress in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke in Northern Ireland incorporating the five year review of smoke-free legislation” can also be found at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/publications.
2. In addition to examining the impact of smoke-free legislation, the report also considers aspects of inequalities in second-hand smoke exposure, looking at social disadvantage with a focus on vulnerable subgroups of the population.
3. Smoking is estimated to cause over 2,300 deaths in Northern Ireland each year. This means that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Reducing smoking prevalence remains a public health priority.
4. Northern Ireland’s smoke-free legislation was launched on 30 April 2007. Its introduction meant that it is against the law to smoke in most enclosed work and public places and certain vehicles, such as buses, taxis and shared work vehicles. The measure was introduced to protect both the public and employees from the harmful effects of second hand smoke.
5. Enforcement of the smoke-free legislation is the responsibility of local councils, through their Environmental Health Departments.
6. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0567, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
