Positive effects from smoking bans

[Posted: Fri 07/03/2008 by Niall Hunter, Editor - www.irishhealth.com]

The Irish Heart Foundation has welcomed new figures from France and Italy showing reductions in heart attacks since the introduction of smoking bans in these countries.

The latest figures from the European Society for Cardiology (ESC) show a 15% fall in emergency admissions for heart attacks and strokes in France, following the public smoking ban in 2007.

Italy has recorded a 11.2% reduction in the number of acute coronary events since the introduction of its smoking ban in January 2005.

Irish Heart Foundation Medical Director Dr Brian Maurer said the figures were very welcome as they confirm the positive impact of smoking bans on public health.

He said Ireland had led the way in 2004 when the Government introduced a full smoking ban in workplaces, pubs and restaurants.

The ESC urged other Governments across Europe to learn from the findings of France and Italy and not to give in to pressure from the tobacco lobby. 

Visit irishhealth.com's Heart Disease Clinic at...http://www.heart.ie

See also...http://www.irishheart.ie