ASH Ireland Welcomes Statement from Medical and Allied Professional Community.

Date: 02 July 2003

ASH Ireland welcomes a position statement from the Medical and Allied Professional Community today, which indicates that ‘tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in Ireland’. This is a strong statement from experts and must be heeded by all those who oppose the pro-health legislation being introduced by the Government next January.

The statement from the experts says, “Tobacco also affects non-smokers through exposure to environmental tobacco smoke particularly in confined spaces such as bars, restaurants and other workplaces.” This statement, ASH Ireland believes, leaves the Government with no option but to introduce all aspects of the workplace-smoking ban next January.

ASH Ireland has been concerned that some level of compromise may be reached on the workplace ban - especially in regard to bars and restaurants. Compromise will not work on this issue, as the grade one carcinogen contained in passive smoke will not stay in designated spaces – neither will it respond to ventilation.

The input of the Medical and Allied Professional Community today is timely and important. Their informed pro-health advice cannot be ignored.