Smoke-Free Laws: Overview
"The evidence is clear, there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Many countries have already taken action. I urge all countries that have not yet done so to take this immediate and important step to protect the health of all by passing laws requiring all indoor workplaces and public places to be 100% smoke-free."
— Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organization
Driven by the scientific evidence that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, there is a fast-growing movement around the world to adopt 100 percent smoke-free laws that apply to all workplaces and public places.
On February 26, 2008, Mexico City became the latest jurisdiction to adopt a 100 percent smoke-free law, setting a powerful example for Latin America and the world. France, Thailand, Turkey and 11 German states have also adopted or implemented smoke-free laws so far this year.
France, Thailand, Turkey, India and 11 German states have also adopted or implemented smoke-free laws so far this year.
Other countries that have adopted strong smoke-free laws include: Bermuda, Bhutan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. In Australia, Canada and the United States, a growing number of states, provinces and territories have adopted such laws.
Several factors are driving this global trend:
- Public health authorities worldwide have concluded that secondhand smoke causes serious diseases and premature death and that there is no safe level of exposure. Secondhand smoke has been proven to cause lung cancer, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight, and serious respiratory conditions.
- Scientific evidence is clear that the only effective way to protect workers and the public from secondhand smoke is to enact 100 percent smoke-free laws that cover all indoor workplaces and public places, including all restaurants, bars and other hospitality venues. Other approaches, such as designated smoking areas and separate ventilation, do not provide adequate health protection.
- The WHO international tobacco control treaty—the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control—imposes a legal obligation on the more than 150 ratifying countries to adopt effective smoke-free laws. Standards adopted by the treaty's governing body make it clear that only 100 percent smoke-free laws meet the treaty's requirements.
- Smoke-free laws have proven to be popular with the public and easy to implement and enforce. Studies show these laws quickly improve health and do not harm business.
