Jump to full article: Daily News (lk), 2010-08-20
Author: Manjari PEIRIS
Intro: There is a fast-growing campaign around the world demanding for 100 percent smoke-free laws that ban smoking in all work and public places. Public health authorities worldwide have concluded that there is no safe level of second hand smoke exposure. Scientific evidence is clear that the only effective way to protect workers and the public from secondhand smoke is to enact 100 percent smoke-free law that bans smoking in all public places.
Although the law has enforced, a research study indicated that its practical use is limited.
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Sri Lanka too should adopt comprehensive tobacco control programs, for both health and economic reasons. The need for action is urgent as if no action is taken, tobacco may kill a billion or more people in the 21st century in the world. Research studies reveal that 40 percent of all cancers can be prevented if tobacco consumption is curtailed through awareness raising, legislation and taxation.
From enclosed public places, the Government should extend the smoking ban to all public places since half of the smoke generated through a cigarette smoke is secondhand smoke and the other half is generated through mainstream smoke. Public places are potential places where the non-smokers are exposed to tobacco smoke.
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