EPHA-RCP Event: Passive Smoking and Children’s Health - New Evidence and a Call for Action

The new report by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) was launched amid lively debate and expert contributions at an event in the European Parliament. Co-organised with the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the conference attracted over 60 participants from various organisations, including NGOs, civil society groups, national governments and the EU institutions.

After opening remarks by Marina Yannakoudakis MEP, the content of the report was presented by Professor John Britton, Dr Anna Gilmore and Mr Martin Dockrell from the Royal College of Physicians’ Tobacco Advisory Group.

During the panel discussion, moderated by EPHA Secretary General, Monika Kosinska, contributions were made by Ms Terje Peetso from the European Commission, Ms Catronia Williams from Eurochild and Professor Panagoitis Behrakis from the European Network of Smoking and Tobacco Prevention. Mr Alberto Infante from the Spanish Ministry of Health explained the progress made and challenges remaining in the legislation currently going through the Spanish Parliament and offered advice to Greek lawmakers on how similar legislation might be enacted in Greece. Mr Michal Krzyzanowski from WHO Europe outlined the European situation and the differing levels of tobacco control across member states, in terms of the WHO’s targets for action by 2015. The role of schools and teachers was also highlighted.

The event was closed by Theodoros Skylakakis MEP and was followed by a press conference.

A full report of the event and the panelists contributions can be found below, along with the materials presented.

Related EPHA articles:
 WHO publishes its 2009 Report on tobacco
 2010 Eurobarometer survey on tobacco
 EPHA Open Letter supporting a reform of the Spanish tobacco legislation
 Passive Smoking and Children- Report by the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians, London
 Health community shock as Poland moves backwards on tobacco control

For further information:
 Royal College of Physicians
 European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention
 World Health Organisation Europe
 Eurochild
 European Commission Public Health
 Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy

Passive smoking in the home is a major hazard to the health of the millions of children who live with smokers. A major new report from the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) - a member of the European Public Health Alliance - quantifies the extent of the problem and provides powerful evidence to support the implementation of the 2009 EU Council Recommendation and European Parliament Resolution on Smoke Free Environments.

A summary of the report can be found below, and the full text can be accessed here.

This high-level event will bring together leading experts, EU policy makers and stakeholders to:

 Consider the findings of the report, which include new scientific evidence of the health impact &economic cost of passive smoking, and recommendations for action;
 Discuss further action to protect children’s’ health from tobacco smoke.

The event is hosted by Marina Yannakoudakis MEP and Theodoros Skylakakis MEP and is organised together with the Royal College of Physicians and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and will feature high-level contributions including:

 Professor John Britton, Chair of the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians and Director of UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies
 Martin Dockrell, Director of Research and Policy, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
 Anna Gilmore, Reader in Public Health, University of Bath & Senior Lecturer, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
 Monika Kosinska, Secretary General, European Public Health Alliance
 Michal Krzyzanowski, Regional Advisor for Air Quality and Health, and Acting Head of European Centre for Environment and Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe
 Alberto Infante, Director General for Professional Organisation, National Health System Cohesion and Senior Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health and Social Policy, Spain
 Panagiotis Behrakis, President, European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention
 Terje Peesto, Public Health & Risk Assessment Directorate, European Commission
 Catriona Williams, President, Eurochild

A networking lunch will be provided before the event.