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Countdown to a smoke free Scotland
The Smoking, Health and Social Care () Act 2005 and the Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (
With research indicating that there are more than 800 deaths a year in Scotland from passive smoking, as well as leading to lung cancer, heart disease and a range of respiratory diseases, the statistics indicate the extent of the protection that will be offered by the smoking legislation from 26 March. Legislation affects workplaces, pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes and work vehicles.
Many smokers may view this as an ideal opportunity to stop smoking and there are services available in
NHS Fife smoking cessation services are here to help if you want to stop smoking. The first step is getting in touch. The numbers are listed below. Just give them a call. You need to be registered with a GP in
North
Glenrothes: 01592 761896
Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth: 01592 715213
Your GP surgery or local pharmacy can also offer support to help you on the road to quitting.
Second-hand smoke, containing more than 50 cancer causing chemicals, has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States (US).
Passive smoking key facts:
· Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including tar, nicotine, benzene, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide – more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
· Second-hand smoke is associated with 865 deaths per year in among lifelong non-smokers from the main causes of death, lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions and stroke.
· Exposure to second-hand smoke is a cause of lung cancer, and in those non-smokers facing long-term exposure there is an estimated 24% increased risk.
· Exposure to second-hand smoke is a cause of heart disease, with an estimated 25% increased risk in non-smokers, representing a substantial public health hazard.
In addition, exposure can also reduce lung function and coronary blood flow; irritate eyes; and cause headaches, coughs, sore, throats, dizziness and nausea, as well as many other illnesses. It can also trigger asthma attacks and cause serious respiratory illnesses - such as bronchitis and pneumonia, asthma and ear infections in children. Pregnant non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to have low birth weight babies and to give birth prematurely.
Certain people are especially vulnerable to second-hand smoke, such as those with lung disease, angina and those who have had a stroke. It may also trigger heart attacks in some people after only short periods of exposure and exacerbate respiratory illnesses.
Although the absolute level of risk is not yet known, it has been advised that people at risk of coronary heart disease and those with known coronary heart disease should, where possible, avoid indoor smoky environments.
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