Smoking Risks
Risks of passive smoking, second-hand smoke, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
The points below are from research commissioned by the Executive/NHS Health Scotland from David Hole, University of Glasgow, in support of consultation.
- ETS exposure is associated with 865 deaths per year in Scotland among life-long non-smokers from the main causes of death – ischemic heart disease (395), stroke (335), respiratory conditions (91) and lung cancer (44).
- Taking into account other diseases known to be related to smoking, up to 1000 deaths per year might be attributed to ETS exposure among lifelong non-smokers.
- Taking ex-smokers into account (in addition to lifelong non-smokers), it is estimated that some 1,500 to 2,000 deaths per year in Scotland are related to ETS exposure.
Health impact of the regulation of smoking in public places
The points below are from research commissioned by the Executive/NHS Health Scotland from the Health Economic Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen.
- Of the 865 annual deaths attributable to passive smoking in life-time non-smokers, 120 are associated with non-domestic exposure.
- The estimated effect of eliminating exposure to ETS in public places in Scotland is an annual reduction in deaths from lung cancer and CHD of 219, and a possible additional reduction in deaths from stroke and respiratory diseases of 187. The full benefit may take between 15 and 30 years to be realised, although some benefits may accrue more rapidly.
- Studies of the introduction of workplace bans and restrictions show a reduction in exposure to ETS. Complete bans are associated with greater reductions in exposure to ETS, than other forms of restrictions.
- Workplace bans and restrictions are associated with reductions in number of cigarettes smoked by continuing smokers, increases in quit attempts and successful quitting and reductions in smoking prevalence.
- Complete bans are associated with greater reductions in smoking than other forms of restriction.
- The health gains in Scotland from reductions in active smoking may be at least as great as those from reduced passive smoking.