Smoke-free zones

May I congratulate Adrian Muscat Inglott, your customer service columnist, for his hard-hitting article about the general insensitivity of smokers and the damage and discomfort this causes to the rest of the community (June 30). He has set an example for other journalists to follow. It takes courage to be so outspoken on such an issue.

I wish that for once, those who believe it is their fundamental right to smoke whenever and wherever they wish, to think of the right of others to work, eat and relax without havmg to inhale poisonous cigarette smoke.

What smokers, especially young ones, should think of before they light the next cigarette is the risk caused by smoking. New research has discovered that smoke also causes cancers of the stomach, liver, cervix, uterus, kidney, nasal sinus and myeloid leukaemia. These are all a far cry from being cool.

The scientists, convened by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organisation, said that for types of cancer already known to be caused by smoking, the risk of tumors is even higher than previously noted. The research also definitely proves that second-hand smoke causes cancer, they said.

The scientists combined the results of more than 3,000 studies involving millions of people, which allowed them to draw conclusions not possible in smaller studies.

Half the people who smoke will die prematurely from cancer, heart disease, emphysema or other smoking-related diseases, research has shown. The best way to prevent deaths is to get smokers to quit, the scientists said. Sir Richard Doll, an Oxford University professor, said: "Practically all the cancers of tissues that are exposed to the environment in one way or another are affected by the chemicals distributed tbroughout the body when you inhale tobacco smoke".

I appeal to passive smokers who have long suffered in silence because of the ignorance of workmates and others, to stand up for their rights. They should not be afraid to speak up and if necessary, admonish those who show a distinct lack of care for their well-being. I just cannot believe that only a few employers have so far accepted their responsibility to provide a safe and clean environment for their employees.

Parents with children should declare their homes "smoke-free zones" and ask all visitors to refrain from smoking in the house. I hope that as parents they realise their duty to protect the health of their children not only in the home but also at school. They should start a campaign to ensure that their children's school adopts a non-smoking policy for all. No one should be allowed to 'light up' on school property. Let us remember that next to parents, teachers are the ones most likely to influence children.

Let us also hope that others in responsible positions such as politicians, clergy, those in the medical and legal profession, etc., will ensure that in future, when they smoke, they do not do it where they can be seen by young adults and children. After all, we must all lead by example.

Hopefully the message will eventually get through that cigarettes kill and non-smokers' rights will get recognition in our country as happens in most advanced nations.

Our proposal is to ban smoking in all enclosed work spaces, except outdoor seating at restaurants.

There should be a strong campaign to educate the public that it is certainly not viable on your health or your pocket to start this addictive habit.

The San Gwann Labour Party committee would like the public - irrespective of their political beliefs - to recognise the importance of this issue and would welcome any comments, suggestions or feedback. Our e-mail address is hajjausahha@yahoo.com