[Intl-tobacco] NZ: Report Endorses Second-Hand Smoke Protection Need (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Report Endorses Second-Hand Smoke Protection Need
Source: NewsRoom, Friday, 4/27/01
Press Release by Ministry of Health at 4:44pm, 27th April 2001

Report Endorses Need For Enhanced Protection From Second-Hand Smoke

The Ministry of Health has welcomed the findings of a report, released
today, which confirms the need for stronger measures to protect restaurant
and bar workers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

"The study has found convincing evidence that businesses which allow
customers to smoke are putting their staff at significantly greater
exposure to second-hand smoke. It also suggests that workers in premises
permitting customer smoking, have a higher prevalence of respiratory and
irritation symptoms than workers in smoke-free workplaces," Ministry of
Health National Drug Policy Team Leader Matthew Allen said.

Mr Allen was commenting on the findings of the report Assessment of
Exposures of New Zealand Hospitality Workers to Environmental Tobacco
Smoke which was commissioned by the Ministry of Health.  The study was
conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

"The findings of this study are further supported by national research
which indicated about 388 deaths a year are attributed to second hand
smoke. That is in addition to the 4700 New Zealanders who die each year
from smoking-related illness.  International research also indicates that
hospitality workers have an increased risk of disease, including cancer,
heart and lung disease and stroke," he said.

"The Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 has helped reduce the number of
deaths attributable to second hand smoke but these findings provide
further support to calls to restrict smoking in workplaces and public
places," Mr Allen said.

The Smoke-free Environments (Enhanced Protection) Amendment Bill which is
currently before the Health Select Committee aims to extend the protection
available under legislation.