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Protection from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Policy recommendations. r Executive summary 6. An implementation and enforcement plan as PIP Scientific evidence has firmly established that `Nell as an infrastructure for enforcement are essential; and 6. there is no safe level of exposure to second- hand tobacco smoke [SHSI, a pollutant that 7. Implementation of smoke-free environments p causes serious illnesses in adults and children. must be monitored and, ideally, their impact V There is also indisputable evidence that imple- measured and experiences documented. menting 100% smoke-free environments is the F" only effective way to protect the population from In light of the above experience, the World the harmful effects of exposure to SHS Health Organization [WHO) makes the follow- I. . ng recommendations to protect workers and Moreover, several countries and hundreds of the public from exposure to SHS: 1P subnational and local jurisdictions have suc- IN cessfully implemented laws requiring indoor 1. Remove the pollutant - tobacco smoke - by workplaces and public places to be 100% implementing 100% smoke-free environ- op smoke-free without encountering significant ments. This is the only effective strategy to challenges in enforcement. The evidence from reduce exposure to tobacco smoke to safe these jurisdictions consistently demonstrates levels in indoor environments and to provide not only that smoke-free environments are an acceptable level of protection from the i enforceable, but that they are popular and dangers of SHS exposure. Ventilation and become more so following implementation. smoking areas, whether separately ventilated These laws have no negative impact - and often from non-smoking areas or not, do not have a positive one - on businesses in the hos- reduce exposure to a safe level of risk and pitatity sector and elsewhere. Their outcomes are not recommended; - an immediate reduction in heart attacks and p Enact legislation requiring all indoor work- respiratory problems - also have a positive places and public places to be 100% smoke- impact on health. free environments. Laws should ensure uni- These experiences offer numerous, consistent versal and equal protection for all. Voluntary r lessons learnt, which policy-makers should policies are not an acceptable response to 1P consider to ensure the successful implemen- protection. Under some circumstances, the tation of public policies that effectively protect principle of universal, effective protection may the population from SHS exposure. These les- require specific quasi-outdoor and outdoor sons include the following: workplaces to be smoke-free; r 1. Legislation that mandates smoke-free 3. Implement and enforcethe law. Passing smoke- environments- not voluntary policies - Is free legislation is not enough. Its proper imple- n. necessary to protect public health; mentation and adequate enforcement require relatively small but critical efforts and means. r 2. Legislation should be simple, clear and enforceable, and comprehensive; 4. Implement educational strategies to reduce SHS exposure in the home, recognizing that 3. Anticipating and responding to the tobacco smoke-free workplace legislation increases industry's opposition, often mobilized the likelihood that people [both smokers and through third parties, is crucial; non-smokers) will voluntarily make their r 4. Involving civil society is central to achieving homes smoke-free. effective legislation; WHO encourages Member States to follow these 5. Education and consultation are necessary recommendations and apply lessons learnt to to ensure smooth implementation; advance the goals of public health through leg- islated implementation of 100% smoke-free r © environments in workplaces and public places. r~