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EDITORIAL: Exposure to tobacco smoke  

Five years have passed since the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control went into effect (Feb. 27, 2005). The FCTC, the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization, has 168 parties and covers 86 percent of the world population. Nevertheless, tobacco products remain the cause of serious health damage, including cancer and cardiac and pulmonary diseases, and hampers fetal growth.

On Feb. 25, the health ministry issued a notice to prefectural and municipal governments, calling on them to make public spaces nonsmoking areas in principle. . . .

There is resistance to a total ban on smoking from operators of drinking places and inns and hotels where drinking parties are held. But they should be aware that there are many customers who do not want to be exposed to tobacco smoke.

Importantly, the notice underlines the need to disseminate information on health damage from tobacco based on evidence. It also calls on smokers to be aware that they are exposing other people to tobacco smoke. Health minister Akira Nagatsuma said that after judging the effects of the notice, the government will decide whether stronger steps are needed. Ideally, heightened public awareness will lead to the proliferation of smoke-free places.

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