December 3, 2024

Second-hand tobacco smoke in outdoor settings – what is the evidence?

Last month there was much excitement when the new government confirmed their intention to introduce smoking legislation that would see smoking made illegal for future generations. While many welcomed the new bill, there was controversy about one of the recommended ways of reducing the health effects of second-hand smoke exposure (SHS) in outdoor places like pub gardens.  

After intense lobbying from the hospitality sector the new government agreed to drop the ban on smoking outside restaurants and bars, while keeping a ban for areas such as children’s playgrounds and outside hospitals.

As the government consults on the draft bill, and the public and media discuss this issue, the SMC has decided to assemble a panel of top scientists with expertise on the effects from passive smoking in outdoor spaces.

Journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear these experts address issues like:

• How does smoking in outside spaces impact on air quality?
• Is there evidence of health effects from exposure to second-hand smoke outside?
• How is this kind of evidence gathered and is it a robust and reliable basis for making policy recommendations?
• Who is most at risk from passive smoking in outside settings?
• Are there any arguments other than non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke to consider in this debate?

Speakers included:

Professor Sean Semple, Professor of Exposure Science, Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling

Olena Tigova, Scientific Project Manager of the Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology

Dr Rachel O’Donnell, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling