This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ad shows reality of passive smoking risk
28/11/2005
An advert that underlines the serious impact second hand smoke has on people's health was launched today.
The advert will be shown between now and the introduction of Scotland's ban on smoking in wholly and substantially enclosed public places on 26th March next year.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"This advert explains why we are introducing smoke-free public places. The message is clear: passive smoking kills.
"The case for reducing exposure to second-hand smoke to improve health is indisputable. In Scotland, second-hand smoke is associated with up to 1,000 deaths a year among life-long non-smokers.
"Scotland will become smoke-free in enclosed public places from March next year. Our country's health and productivity will improve and the incidence of smoking related disease will fall as a result.
"Stubbing out smoking is the right decision for the smoker, their friends and their families. It will save thousands of lives and help keep families together for longer.
"We are confident that, in time, the improvement in public health delivered through the smoke-free law will be regarded as one of the greatest achievements of devolution."
Jean King, Director of Tobacco Control for Cancer Research UK Scotland said:
"This hard-hitting campaign makes it clear that second-hand smoke kills. Scotland will lead the rest of the UK when it goes smoke-free in March. The new law is the most important public health measure for a generation, and will protect workers in Scotland who are exposed to second-hand smoke.
"Evidence from abroad also shows that going smoke-free will help smokers quit, so the legislation will help make Scotland a healthier nation."
Fiona Castle said:
"I am delighted to be able to support the ban on smoking in all enclosed public places in Scotland. It is good that Scotland is taking a lead on this important issue, which will undoubtedly improve the health of the nation and save many lives."
Passive Smoking Key Facts:
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including tar, nicotine, benzene, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide.
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is associated with 865 deaths per year in Scotland among life-long non-smokers from the main causes of death - lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions and stroke. Including other diseases known to be related to smoking, this increases to up to 1,000 deaths per year amongst life-long non-smokers.
- In infants and children, ETS is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia and bronchitis, asthma attacks, middle ear disease, decreased lung function and sudden infant death syndrome.
- It has been shown that babies born to mothers who come into contact with ETS have lower birth weights.
- More than 17,000 children under the age of five are admitted to hospital in the UK every year because of the effects of passive smoking.
A guide to help employers across the country - large and small - implement the new smoke-free legislation was published on 8 November 2005. The guide for employers can be found at http://www.clearingtheairscotland.com/
The advert cost £413,000 (including VAT). The cost includes production and media buying for the ad to run from now until March next year.