|
Over the past 20 years there has been a gradual move to eliminate passive smoking from public places and whilst the medical world appears to be of the firm opinion that it is harmful, the British Government has been slow in introducing measures in keeping with the acknowledged risks to health
The enforcing body of the Government with respect to a work situation is the Health and Safety Executive. They may prosecute any employer or employee who deliberately or negligently endangers the health of other employees at work under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Government is moving towards a policy of banning smoking from the workplace, which will include all internal places where there are employees. It appears that more people die each year from smoking related diseases than from asbestos related diseases, but will employers and employees be prosecuted if they endanger others in the workplace by exposing them to this harmful pollutant, in keeping with asbestos prosecutions (which are quite properly brought)?
The other serious issue is that of children exposed to tobacco smoke in their homes, usually caused by their close relatives. These relatives who smoke in front of young people, are on the whole, addicted to tobacco and do not seem to be able to comprehend that medical opinion is clear that young people exposed to tobacco smoke can be seriously affected in the long term, as their lungs are developing.
Improving fresh air ventilation and exhaust air in enclosed spaces is obviously beneficial because it reduces the concentration of harmful pollutants but the real answer is to avoid tobacco smoke exposure altogether.
|
