Why prohibit smoking in public places and workplaces?
Answer Tobacco smoke endangers health. Workers and the general public are entitled to freedom from breathing smoke in workplaces and public places. • What is second-hand tobacco smoke? Answer Second-hand tobacco smoke is a mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and smoke exhaled by a smoker. Non-smokers in a smoky bar for two hours will smoke the equivalent of four cigarettes. Second-hand smoke contains over 53 cancer-causing chemicals and is responsible for an estimated 163 deaths in New Brunswick a year. This costs an estimated $28 million a year in direct health costs and $104 million in lost productivity. • When will the legislation be effective? Answer The legislation is effective October 1, 2004. • How can I support implementation of the Smoke-free Places Act? Answer Inform your staff and customers about the new Smoke-free Places Act. Have information available for your workers and clients on the hazards of second-hand smoke (for materials check www.g
