SCOTLAND’S smoke-free legislation has “radically” improved people’s health, an expert has said, 15 years on from the day it was introduced.
Dr Sean Semple, of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said the laws – introduced on March 26, 2006 – transformed culture and encouraged many smokers to reduce their tobacco intake or stop altogether.
He added that banning smoking in enclosed public spaces has also protected non-smokers, with a marked reduction in those found to have breathed in second-hand smoke.
“Ahead of the legislation being introduced, many felt that major change of this kind was extremely difficult to successfully implement – perhaps even unachievable – however, 15 years on, it is important to reflect on how this has quickly become the ‘new normal’.
“A generation of children has grown up having not experienced high levels of second-hand smoke pollution in public spaces, such as public transport and hospitality venues, while the country’s workforce can now enjoy smoke-free working environments – protecting health and ultimately saving lives.”
Semple said the success of the legislation is reflected in the most recent data from the Scottish Health Survey, which shows that more than four in every five non-smokers have no detectable cotinine – a marker of breathing in nicotine – in their saliva. Back in 2003, that figure was closer to just one in five.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of health charity ASH Scotland, said: “This year marks the 15-year anniversary of Scotland’s smoke-free legislation – a landmark piece of public health policy that made Scotland a world-leader in the fight against the harms caused by tobacco.
“Since it was introduced, the intended health benefits have been achieved and surpassed, as demonstrated by University of Stirling academics.”
She added: “While the success of smoke-free public places reminds us of how far we have come, it is important not to lose sight of how far Scotland still has to go to achieve its ambition of creating a tobacco-free generation by 2034.
“Tobacco remains the biggest cause of preventable ill health and death in Scotland. Smoking rates are stubbornly high in Scotland’s most deprived communities and far too many children continue to be exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel