Passive smoking 'thrives' in workplace

Passive smoking is associated with a range of diseases

Passive smoking is a global problem, especially in the work environment, according to a new international study.

The report, published in the medical journal The Lancet, also identifies that passive smoking increases the risk of respiratory symptoms.

Researchers looked at the effects of passive smoking on nearly 8,000 adults from 36 centres in 13 European countries, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Decreasing involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in the community, especially in workplaces is likely to improve respiratory health

Christer Janson, study co-ordinator

They found passive smoking was significantly associated with nocturnal chest tightness, nocturnal breathlessness, breathlessness after activity and increased bronchial responsiveness.

Researchers based their conclusions on information on passive smoking, respiratory symptoms, asthma and allergic rhinitis, gathered from the respondents, none of whom had ever smoked.

In 12 of the 36 centres, more than half the participants were regularly involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke.

The prevalence of passive smoking in the workplace varied from 2.5% in Uppsala, Sweden, to 53.8% in Galdakao, Spain.

The study also found people with asthma were more likely to be exposed to passive smoking than people who did not have the allergy.

Government action

Study co-ordinator Christer Janson said: "Passive smoking is common but the prevalence varies widely between different countries.

"Passive smoking increased the likelihood of experiencing respiratory symptoms and was associated with increased bronchial responsiveness.

"Decreasing involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in the community, especially in workplaces, is likely to improve respiratory health."

The study found no significant association between passive smoking and sensitisation of the immune system.

Health charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) says the study shows once again the dangers of passive smoking.

Asthma linked to passive smoking

An Ash spokesman said: "This survey shows the importance of the government taking action on passive smoking.

"Ministers have been promising a code of practice on smoking in the workplace for over two years now, but it appears to have been kicked into the long grass.

"This code would help the millions of people who are currently forced to breathe in other people's smoke at work.

"Passive smoking causes disease and is deeply unpleasant, so why won't the government act?

"People have a right to breathe clean air, and ministers have a duty to help people exercise this right."

Passive smoking has been associated with a range of health complications, including heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and asthma.