Passive smoke kills 600 in UK

Second-hand smoke at work may kill more than 600 people each year in Britain, according to research reported yesterday which doctors say is evidence of the need for a ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

More than 50 of the deaths are in people working for the hospitality industry in restaurants, pubs and bars.

"Passive exposure to tobacco smoke at work may cause more than 600 deaths each year in the UK," said Professor Konrad Jamrozik of the University of Queensland in Australia.

His estimates, which are reported online by the British Medical Journal, are based on an analysis of national UK databases on causes of death, employment and the prevalence of active and passive smoking.

Medical experts said the findings provide more proof of the dangers of passive smoking in the home and workplace.

"There is no doubt at all that second-hand smoke kills," James Johnson, the chairman of the British Medical Association, told a news conference.

Britain has announced plans to ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants and in pubs and bars preparing and serving food. Pubs that do not serve food will be free to choose whether to allow smoking. Mr Johnson and other health experts want the government to follow the example of Ireland, Norway and other countries that have banned smoking in restaurants and pubs.

"What we would really like is a national ban on smoking in enclosed public places," Mr Johnson added.

Sylvia Denton, the president of the Royal College of Nurses, said there are 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and it is time to clear the air.

"People exposed to second-hand smoke are breathing in more than 60 known carcinogens," she said.