New ban and big changes proposed to address ‘significant harm’ of second-hand smoke
Health chiefs are considering plans to overhaul the rules on vaping and smoking(Image: Getty Images)
Vaping is back in the news with health chiefs set to consider a ban on the growing trend in more public areas in a bid to protect others from the ‘significant harm’ of second-hand smoke. As previously reported, research suggests vaping could be more harmful to the smoker’s health than first thought and there have been fears over flavoured vapes becoming toxic when heated and concerns over damage to lungs.
Now it’s the effects of vaping – and smoking – upon others that is behind the idea of a complete ban on both in certain outdoor spaces such as outside hospitals, schools and children’s playgrounds. The Department of Health and Social Care is also to launch a public consultation about it.
The extension of the ban would also include vaping in indoor spaces, where smoking is already banned, and ruling out heated tobacco products under the proposals, reports The Mirror. Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has warned: ‘People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects.’
Health Secretary Wes Streeting says: “No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.”
He adds: “Prevention is better than cure, so this Government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.” The consultation will look at how second-hand smoke is harmful even outdoors, with children and medically vulnerable people considered at greatest risk.
The Government is seeking to prevent illness and disease by taking action in places where young people gather and patients receive care. Professor Chris Whitty said the ‘significant’ harm to health caused by second-hand smoke can include “an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease”.
He added: “The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. No smoker wants to harm people but with second-hand smoke they do – and these measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society.”
The consultation will also seek views on setting outdoor boundaries, exemptions, designated smoking areas and how to inform people of restrictions to ensure the rules are proportionate and workable. A minimum six-months period would exist between making any regulations and their coming into force.
The Government has rejected calls to ban smoking in outside areas of hospitality venues, such as pub beer gardens, due to concerns it could affect trade. Business minister Kate Dearden has said: “These are targeted proposals to protect children and families from second-hand smoke and vaping, without placing extra pressure on pubs, restaurants or the wider hospitality sector.
“We have been clear that we will support businesses and, after listening to their concerns, we have excluded outdoor hospitality spaces from these changes.” Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, says: “No child should have to walk through a cloud of deadly second-hand smoke on their way to the classroom or playground, nor should any patient be exposed to harm on hospital grounds.
“We strongly support the Government’s consultation and the landmark legislation behind it and we call for urgent implementation to protect everyone from harm.” The plans for Government action are also supported by Dr Ian Walker, of Cancer Research UK.
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