Tobacco.org

Smoke alarm 

A puzzling fact came up when the New York City health department did a study recently. It found that more than half of all non-smokers in New York have elevated levels of a nicotine by-product in their blood, indicating exposure to cigarette fumes. . . .

So will a survey of Mumbai show up similar results? We live in cramped spaces, jostle one another on sidewalks and could well be paying for the indulgence of the city's smokers, with women and children suffering the effects of passive smoking the most. Last October, the government banned cigarette smoking at all public places. Discos, night clubs, restaurants, and bars have all put put up 'no smoking' boards and health inspectors have the right to fine offenders.

But eight months since the ban was imposed, official figures with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) show that only 395 individuals have been fined, with the total fine amount being collected standing at a mere Rs79,000.

"The lack of manpower makes it difficult to implement such a huge project.

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