Monday 18th December 2006
(ref:
436/2006)
Arsenic, cadmium, formaldehyde, benzene….they all have one thing in common. They are among nearly 70 cancer-causing chemicals to be found in cigarette smoke.
And since parts of Wigan have one of the highest proportions of smokers in England, the town was an obvious venue for Cancer Research UK’s ‘Smoke is poison’ campaign.
A converted tanker, got up to look like a cigarette and displaying the hazard warning signs for some of the many poisonous chemicals found in tobacco smoke, drew plenty of attention from shoppers last Friday.
Senior environmental health officer Rosemary Lee, who is co-ordinating the ‘smoke free Wigan’ campaign for Wigan Council, says:
“People were horrified to realise that there are 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, 69 of which are known to cause cancer.
“We now know that breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke is a major cause of ill health, especially among those that work in smoky atmospheres such as pubs, clubs and some restaurants.
“There is already evidence to show that the health of pub and club workers in Ireland has improved since they went ‘smoke free’ last year. Wigan workers deserve the same level of protection.”
Smoking in any enclosed or substantially enclosed work place or public space will be banned from July 1 st 2007, a move which the government says will protect non smokers from the harmful effects of other people’s smoke.
Rosemary Lee added:
“We are already starting work on a pack of information that will include advice to local businesses. If pubs, for example, want to build outdoor covered areas they are gong to have to think about planning permission fairly soon.
“Our message to businesses is – start planning early because the new legislation will be in force sooner than you might realise.”
For further information on the Smoke Free Wigan campaign phone Rosemary Lee on 01942 828180 or e mail Smokefree@wigan.gov.uk.
Note to editors
Further information: Rosemary Lee, 01942 828180.
