Apartheid against smokers?(2)

The GRTU is objecting to the regulations which restrict or ban smoking in public places primarily because there is no "scientific evidence worthy of the name that demonstrates a link between third party smoking and ill-health in a non-smoker." (Mr Vincent Farrugia, The Sunday Times, October 17).

In a press release on October 13, the British Medical Association (BMA) declared the following facts and figures on passive smoking (in the UK):

* Second-hand smoke causes illness, including fatal illnesses. It can cause lung cancer and heart disease, and trigger asthma attacks. The BMA estimates that each year, passive smoking kills at least 1,000 people.

* Second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30%

* Passive smoking increases the risk of heart disease by 25-35%

* Passive smoking almost doubles the risk of stroke

* More than three million people are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke

* Bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke is six times that of office workers

* Non-smokers who work in the smokiest bars are around 20 times more likely to get lung cancer than the average non-smoker

* Non-smoking areas offer partial to no protection against second-hand smoke

* In the 15 years of voluntary initiatives on smoking in public places, not one has met its targets

The BMA chairman, Mr James Johnson, may just as well have been addressing the GRTU when he stated a few days ago: "It beggars belief that the Health Secretary (UK) is still talking about 'possible' health effects of second-hand smoke. What other evidence does he need? Britain's top medical scientists have now concluded that second-hand smoke is dangerous to children and adults.''

He was referring to a leaked UK government report which concluded that "no infant, child or adult should be exposed to second-hand smoke... second-hand smoke represents a substantial public health hazard" (Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health). We eagerly await the full publication.

Meanwhile, I know whom I believe.