Scotland smoke ban 'reduces heart attacks'
Monday, 10 Sep 2007 10:54
Scots have been banned from smoking in public places since last March
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The number of heart attacks among Scots has fallen since the introduction of the smoking ban in 2006, a new survey has revealed.
A study of nine hospitals in Scotland revealed that since the smoking ban came into force last March there have been 17 per cent fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks.
That and other findings of the comprehensive scientific research into the effects of the smoke ban are to be presented at an international conference on the issue in Scotland today.
Researchers also found a 39 per cent reduction in secondhand smoke exposure in 11-year-olds and in adult non-smokers since the ban, while there has been an 86 per cent reduction in secondhand smoke in bars.
The findings suggest there has not been a noticeable shift from smoking in public places to the home in the first year of the ban, and public support for the legislation is reportedly still high.
Commenting on the findings, deputy chief medical officer Professor Peter Donnelly said it demonstrated the "significant public health benefits that the smoking ban is already having in Scotland".
"It provides evidence that the legislation is improving the health of everyone in Scotland - including smokers, non-smokers, children and barworkers," he said.
"One of the most important findings is the reduction in heart attacks. We believe that the smoking ban was a large contributory factor to this drop. I am confident that we will continue to see the positive effects of the ban in years to come."
Sally Haw, the principal public health adviser at Health Scotland, who coordinated the research programme, called it the "most comprehensive yet conducted into the impact of smokefree legislation".
"We found clear evidence of improvement in air quality, a 40 per cent reduction in secondhand smoke exposure in the population and a dramatic 17 per cent reduction in heart attacks," she said.
"As well as providing feedback for Scotland, the results from the evaluation will help support countries worldwide in their efforts to develop and implement smokefree legislation and reduce the harm caused by secondhand smoke."
The full findings are being presented at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre today and tomorrow.