The Special Report, with the findings from a series of reviews and evaluations, will be published exclusively online and in the July edition of the Lancet Oncology.
The expert group found sufficient evidence for the following:
implementation of smoke-free policies substantially decreases second-hand smoke exposure
smoke-free workplaces decrease cigarette consumption in continuing smokers
smoke-free policies do not decrease the business activity of the restaurant and bar industry
introduction of smoke-free policies decreases respiratory symptoms in workers
voluntary smoke-free home policies decrease children’s second-hand smoke-exposure
smoke-free home policies decrease adult smoking.
Strong evidence was found that:
smoke-free workplaces decrease the prevalence of adult smoking
smoke-free policies decrease tobacco use in youths
the introduction of smoke-free legislation decreases heart disease morbidity
smoke-free home policies decrease smoking in youths
But, because the lead time for lung cancer to be diagnosed after exposure to a carcinogen such as cigarette smoke can be 20 or more years, the group concluded that “data are not yet available regarding the expected decline in lung cancer after implementation of smoke-free policies.”
On the basis of the evidence reviewed, the Working Group recommends that governments enact and implement smoke-free policies that conform to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC). The authors conclude: “Implementation of such policies can have a broader population effect of increasing smoke-free environments. Not only do these policies achieve their aim of protecting the health of non-smokers by decreasing exposure to second-hand smoke, they also have many effects on smoking behaviour, which compound the expected health benefits. These benefits will be greater if these policies are enacted as part of a comprehensive tobacco-control strategy that implements all of the provisions called for by the WHO-FCTC.”
Background
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization.
IARC’s mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. The Agency is involved in both epidemiological and laboratory research and disseminates scientific information through publications, meetings, courses, and fellowships.
For more information:
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
EPHA related articles:
World No Tobacco Day 2008 - Call to ban all tobacco adverts
Smokefree Partnership Workshop on Taxation and Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products
*UPDATED* NGO input for the CEHAPE mid term review Conference, Vienna 13-15 June
