The invitation to "no smoking" restaurants to join our list (published last Sunday) is ongoing. However, at this point I must stress that we are only interested in "totally no smoking" restaurants.
Owners and/or managers of "totally no smoking" restaurants are welcome to write to me or e-mail me at consumercolumn@malta-net.net to make the necessary arrangements for me to view the restaurants.
As usual, just like our other lists, you will be my supervisors.
It must be stressed that until we can have scientific evidence confirming that there is equipment which can totally separate and protect a non-smoking area from a smoking area we are only interested in totally no-smoking restaurants.
I must again give you more information passed on to me by my friend and ally Dr Mario Spiteri:
Non-smokers must be more assertive of their rights. They should stand up and be counted and become more demanding insofar as their sacrosanct right to breathe in smoke-free air is concerned. Just to pre-empt anyone from thinking that we condone smokers' persecution, I wish to point out that my department provides free smoking cessation support to all those genuinely interested in quitting the habit.
Since the recent launch of our latest billboard depicting a cute baby in contrast to the ugly reality of smoking, the number of applicants to enrol in our smoking cessation classes has greatly increased by more than three fold and we are working flat out to ensure that this demand is satisfied.
Second-hand smoke
Protecting children from second-hand smoke is very important to a child's health. The health risks for children are increased when they are exposed to second-hand smoke. This is one of the main reasons why adults, e.g. parents, friends, carers, and other relatives, who currently smoke around children, should be encouraged to change their behaviour.
Most of the smoke from a cigarette goes into the air. Children growing up in smoky environments are breathing in all the health dangers that go with smoking:
* The UK Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH, 1998) has stated that cot death is twice as likely for babies whose mothers smoke.
* Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk of asthma attacks in and other breathing problems such as wheezing, coughing, phlegm and breathlessness.
* Children who suffer from asthma are especially vulnerable to the harm caused by second-hand smoke.
* Smoking near children is a cause of serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
* Children whose parents smoke are more likely to get serious chest infections.
* Children whose parents smoke are approximately twice as likely to need to go to hospital because of a serious lung infection during infancy.
Contents of second-hand smoke
Tobacco smoke contains poisonous gases and thousands of toxic chemicals. These poisons get into the bodies of children who live in smoky atmospheres. Children are even more sensitive to smoke than adults as their bodies are young and still developing.
Babies and children exposed to a smoky atmosphere are:
* Twice as likely to have asthma attacks and chest infections
* More likely to need hospital care in their first year of life
* Off sick from school more often
* More likely to get more coughs, colds and wheezes
Medical research also shows they have:
* Much higher risk of cot death than the children of non-smokers
* Increased risk of meningitis
* More chance of getting 'glue ear', which can lead to partial deafness.
Parents should try to stop smoking. The Health Promotion Department offers support throughout the smoking cessation classes. This is a service offered by the government and is free of charge. These classes are based on group therapy.
Anyone interested to attend may pick up an application form from the Centru Taghrif Dwar Sahhtek, Valletta, tel. 2299-2376.