Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

12.10.2010

Major scientific reviews have concluded that the levels of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are exceptionally high in hospitality venues.

In this context, the Commission proposal for a recommendation on smoke-free environments of 30 June 2009[1] builds on the conclusions of a large number of studies and reviews presented in the extensive Impact Assessment[2] that accompanies the proposal.

A number of studies indicate important health effects of smoke-free policies. For example, better air quality has led to substantial reductions in the incidence of heart attacks, including a drop of 11 % in Ireland and Italy, a 17 % drop in Scotland and even greater reductions in some US jurisdictions[3].

Numerous studies have also shown significant improvement in the respiratory health of hospitality workers as a result of smoke-free laws[4]. Smoke-free policies have also been reported to reduce tobacco consumption and encourage quit attempts among smokers, thus contributing to a reduction in smoking prevalence[5].

The full health benefits of smoke-free policies, such as their impact on the incidence of diseases such as cancer may take up to 20-30 years to be realised.

• [1] http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_style/tobacco/documents/tobacco_prec2009_en.pdf
• [2] http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_determinants/life_style/tobacco/documents/tobacco_ia2009_en.pdf
• [3] Cesaroni, G., Forastiere F., et al. (2008), ‘Effect of the Italian Smoking ban on Population Rates of Acute Coronary Events’. Circulation 117(9): 1183-8.
  Jill P, Pell, M.D, et al (2008), ‘Smoke-free Legislation and Hospitalizations for Acute Coronary Syndrome’. New England Journal of Medicine 359(5): 482-491.
  Cronin, E., Kearney P. et al. (2007), ‘Impact of a national smoking ban on the rate of admissions to hospital with acute coronary syndromes’. European Society of Cardiology Congress.
  Glantz S.A. (2008), ‘Meta-analysis of the effects of smoke free laws on acute myocardial infarction: An update’, Preventive Medicine.
• [4] Allwright, S. (2004), ‘Republic of Ireland's indoor workplace smoking ban’. British Journal of General Practice 54(508): 811-812
  Semple, S., L. Maccalman, et al. (2007), ‘Bar workers' Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke: The effect of Scottish Smoke-Free Legislation on Occupational Exposure.’ Ann. Occup. Hyg 51(7): 571-580.
  Menzies, D., A. Nair, et al. (2006), ‘Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and markers of inflammation among bar workers before and after a legislative ban on smoking in public places’. Journal of the American Medical Association 296(14): 1742-1748.
  Farrelly, M. C., J. M. Nonnemaker, et al. (2005), ‘Changes in the hospitality workers' exposure to second hand smoke following the implementation of New York's smoke-free law’. Tobacco Control 14: 236-241.
  Eisner, M. D., A. K. Smith, et al. (1998), ‘Bartenders' respiratory health after establishment of smoke-free bars and taverns’. Journal of the Americal Medical Association 280(22): 1909-1914
• [5] Pierce J.P. and Leon M.E. on behalf of the IARC Handbook Volume 13 Working Group and IARC Secretariat (2008), ‘Special report: policy — Effectiveness of smoke-free policies’. Lancet Oncol 9:614-615.

OJ C 243 E, 20/08/2011