Media Releases
Scientific evidence mounts against passive smoking
The Federal Government's expert advisory group on tobacco will oversee the development of a national standard for addressing the harm caused by passive smoking, following the release today of the National Health and Medical Research Council's scientific information paper on the health effects of passive smoking.
24 November 1997
MW 137/97
Scientific evidence mounts against passive smoking
The Federal Government's expert advisory group on tobacco will oversee the development of a national standard for addressing the harm caused by passive smoking, following the release today of the National Health and Medical Research Council's scientific information paper on the health effects of passive smoking.
Federal Minister for Health and Family Services, Dr Michael Wooldridge, said the NHMRC's extensive review of the scientific literature surrounding the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (passive smoking) showed conclusively that the health of non-smokers suffered from exposure to the toxic chemicals in other people's cigarettes.
"If there was any lingering doubt, this paper shows that the scientific evidence is very clear that smoking in enclosed spaces harms your workmates, your family, your children and even strangers who happen to be near you in a restaurant or a pub," Dr Wooldridge said.
"Smoke inhaled from other people's cigarettes contributes to lung cancer and cardio-vascular disease in adults, asthma symptoms and lower respiratory illnesses in children.
"The Ministerial Tobacco Advisory Group, which I established last year, will work with the Department of Health and Family Services in developing a national response to this major public health issue.
"Tobacco kills more people than alcohol, car crashes and illegal drugs combined, each and every year. We will take all responsible action necessary to reduce the appalling consequences of smoking, especially the 18,000 deaths it causes every year," he said.
Dr Wooldridge said the NHMRC information paper highlighted the potential risk that employers could face if they failed to implement a smoke-free workplace or compelled non-smoking employees to service areas frequented by smokers.
"The very successful anti-tobacco advertising that started in June conveys the message that 'every cigarette is doing you damage'," Dr Wooldridge said.
"The message from the NHMRC's information paper on passive smoking is that 'every cigarette is doing your friends and family damage'," he said.
The Federal Government has been a leader in banning smoking in enclosed public places, commencing with all Commonwealth offices (1986) followed by domestic airline flights (1987), interstate buses and coaches (1988), all FAC airports (1992) and all overseas carriers on inbound or outbound services (1996).
Media Contact: Bill Royce, Dr Wooldridge's office (06) 277 7220