Analysis: The Minister for Health
THE publication of a report on the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke and the simultaneous announcement of a ban on smoking in workplaces are examples of public health action of the highest quality.
It is very rare in our beleaguered health service to see such seamless action and reaction whereby a top class scientific report, produced by two statutory bodies is immediately followed by Government action.
Mr Martin's prompt initiative in banning smoking from pubs, restaurants and other places of entertainment will not go down well with vintners.
However, it will be welcomed by the vast majority of people, especially when they read of the damage caused to non-smokers merely by breathing smoked-filled air.
Professionals from the Health and Safety Authority - representing the best occupational health experts in the State - combined with health specialists from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin have produced clear and stark conclusions concerning the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.
They conclude that environmental tobacco smoke causes lung cancer and probably other tumours. It also causes heart disease and smoke in the environment contributes to respiratory problems in adults and children. It also affects the unborn child, to the extent that repeated exposure slows growth. The report features credible evidence that exposure is higher and more sustained in a work environment. This has serious repercussions for workers in the hospitality industry and suggests they run considerable added risk of serious lung or heart disease merely because of the type of work they do. Such workers represent a huge cross-section of society; from the casual weekend lounge-girl to the veteran barman in the more established hostelry.
It also affects dancers, actors, security staff, disc jockeys and catering staff. The potential health implications are enormous.
The report states unambiguously: "Current ventilation technology is ineffective at removing the risk of environmental tobacco smoke to health."
Even future technology, in the form of displacement ventilation will still leave exposure levels 1,500 to 2,500 times the acceptable risk level for hazardous air pollution.
As well as recommending further research to assess occupational exposure in the Republic, the expert group unequivocally stated that legislative measures are the only method of protecting workers. A consistent anti-tobacco campaigner during his time as Minister, Mr Martin yesterday used his powers under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to announce regulations to ban smoking in any "place of work".
Noting that the tobacco industry has played down any possibility of danger from passive smoking, he said "the advice contained in this report is blunt" before announcing that the new regulations will be introduced on January 1st, 2004.
His strong action will protect smokers as well as non-smokers.
Many smokers have indicated their support for a ban on environmental tobacco smoke.
There is also evidence from abroad that many non-smokers return to restaurants and bars following the introduction of a ban on smoking in entertainment venues.
Quite apart from the abolition of health concerns, there is the welcome lack of stale smoke odour from clothes and hair where such regulations have been enforced.
Yesterday's announcement is a highly significant step forward, offering real health benefits to workers and customers alike.