Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death and disability in the UK, causing more than 120,000 deaths every year.
Secondhand smoke is not only linked to coronary heart disease it's also a major contributor to lung cancer, stroke, asthma and other circulatory and respiratory diseases. It's estimated that every working day in the UK at least two people die from inhaling someone else's tobacco smoke.
The Heart of Mersey (HoM) Smoke Free Programme was launched in October 2004 to take forward a number of tobacco control initiatives and to support existing good practice across Greater Merseyside.
HoM advocates that all workers should be equally protected from the effects of secondhand smoke. The Smoke Free Programme exists because there is strong evidence that comprehensive smokefree policies contribute to a reduction in smoking prevalence.
The Programme has been instrumental in supporting local action to protect all workers from secondhand smoke, in particular through a Private Bill to prohibit smoking in enclosed workplaces across Merseyside.
Nationally, the smokefree lobby united in this aim and on February 14th, 2006, MPs voted overwhelmingly to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and private members' clubs. Campaigners everywhere welcomed the move, which was a significant change to the government's original proposal to exempt pubs that didn't serve food, and private members' clubs.
Well in advance of the vote and in anticipation of possible defeat, the Smoke Free Programme had been supporting Local Authorities in Merseyside to consider their own local legislative approach. This sent a clear message to the government about how seriously the people of Greater Merseyside regard the health of all workers.
Robin Ireland, HoM's Chief Executive, said he applauded MPs for making this "bold step" on - ironically - Valentine's Day, 2006. And he added: "There is no doubt that a comprehensive smokefree law for England will support more smokers to quit and will therefore impact on rates of coronary heart disease. Congratulations to our elected MPs!"
The Smoke Free Programme also supports the co-ordination of the Cheshire and Merseyside Tobacco Alliance, which supports staff who are involved in implementing smokefree and tobacco control initiatives at grass roots level.
- Every year around 3,500 people in Greater Merseyside die from smoking related causes
- 31% of Greater Merseyside residents over the age of 16 smoke
- Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of contracting lung cancer or heart disease by a quarter
- Being in a room with a smoker exposes you to more than 4,000 chemicals including 60 known cancer-causing substances. To find out what you've been inhaling visit www.4000reasons.org.uk
HoM's Smoke Free Programme is part funded by the Government Office for the North West.
For more information about smokefree and tobacco control visit the following:
www.bigsmokedebate.com/northwest
