Smoker's days in pubs are numbered

The following letter from Professor Alex Markham, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, is published in today's Telegraph:

The evidence showing that second-hand tobacco smoke is dangerous to health is not "flimsy" (leader, Nov 9).

The overwhelming scientific consensus is that second-hand tobacco smoke carries a significant health risk, including increased risk of death from lung cancer. There are no studies that fail to show the effects of second-hand smoke other than those funded by the tobacco industry.

Second-hand smoke has been evaluated as "carcinogenic" to humans by the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer and assessed as a "Class A human carcinogen" by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Other Class A carcinogens include asbestos, arsenic, benzene and radon gas.

There are now 46 studies showing conclusively that breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke causes lung cancer. It also increases risk of heart disease. Acute exposure can cause respiratory problems in susceptible individuals. Non-smokers clearly have a right to be protected from this.

It has been scientifically proved that second-hand smoke kills. While the majority of employees may be able to work safely in a smoke-free atmosphere, those currently employed in bars, pubs and many restaurants are denied the right to protect their health.

Daily Telegraph, 11/11/04

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