May 21, 2004

World No Tobacco Day: All is Not Gold

Dear Editor:

World No Tobacco Day is May 31, 2004. World No Tobacco Day raises awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use, and in particular, the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The scientific community now agrees that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. This is supported by two decades of scientific evidence. Young children and workers in bars and restaurants that have no smoking restrictions are at greatest risk of exposure.

The primary motivation behind the push for 100% smoke-free public places is to protect the health of non-smokers from second-hand smoke and to reduce diseases and premature death that are associated with it.  Each year, 12,000 Ontarians die prematurely as a result of smoking.

Three years ago, our communities mobilized for the development of smoke-free bylaws in Grey and Bruce Counties. In September 2002, Grey and Bruce Counties’ smoke-free bylaws came into effect, prohibiting smoking in indoor areas of public places and workplaces. More and more communities across Ontario have joined us in passing smoke-free bylaws.

The theme “Go For Gold!  Become 100% Smoke-Free!” was created by the Ontario Tobacco-free Network to raise awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke and the need for full protection.  “Go for Gold” calls for the development of “gold-standard” smoke-free bylaws.  “Gold-standard” bylaws provide 100% protection from second-hand smoke, requiring all bars, restaurants, billiard rooms, bingo halls, and bowling alleys to be 100% smoke-free, with no option for designated smoking rooms. (For more information on “Go For Gold” visit www.theotn.org.)

I’m pleased to report that Grey County’s bylaw is recognized as a gold-standard bylaw. The Bruce bylaw is “silver” since local exemptions allow for designated smoking rooms in nursing homes and homes for the aged, and bars that meet specific requirements.

100% smoke-free bylaws protect the public from exposure to second-hand smoke; they help communities become aware of smoke-free living and they help create a new community expectation of smoke-free indoor air.

Together we can make our community healthier. 

Sincerely,

Hazel Lynn, MD, CCFP, MHSc

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit