Madam, - I was disappointed to see Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary of October 10th on the forthcoming ban on smoking in public places.
Madam, - I was disappointed to see Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary of October 10th on the forthcoming ban on smoking in public places.
Despite his assertion to the contrary, the respiratory effects of passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke on innocent bystanders is actually well documented and has been so for quite some time. I recommend for his perusal the monograph published by the Environmental Protection Agency for the National Institute of Health published in August 1993.
More disturbing, perhaps, was his allegation of exaggerated claims by the medical profession concerning the effects of HIV.
The effects of HIV infection have been more than well documented throughout the continent of Africa and the only reasons we have not seen such devastation in Western Europe are related to the effects of public health measures as well as the development of medication which alleviates, but certainly does not cure, the disease. It remains a very real threat and really is not something to be dismissed so lightly.
Mr Myers is correct in one assertion: that the issue of environmental tobacco smoke is indeed about personal freedom. It is about people's freedom to work in a safe and healthy environment without unnecessary and unwanted exposure to agents which can adversely effect their health. - Yours, etc.,
Dr JAMES HAYES, President, Irish Thoracic Society, Cavan General Hospital.
Madam, - Prof Niamh Brennan has been quoted recently as referring to the need for a "can-do, make it happen" attitude among senior health services staff towards the planned Government reforms of the health services. Few could disagree that this sort of attitude is a pre-requisite for success.
As hundreds of people die in this country each year from passive smoking, the ban on smoking in the workplace to be introduced next January is in fact a major health reform. It is supported enthusiastically by senior doctors, nurses and managers in the health services and is opposed, and indeed derided, by some in the private sector.
Given the recent remarks of the Taoiseach and Minister Martin, much of this debate is now closed. The focus must now remain firmly on employers' duties of care to their employees. As a public health doctor I would now like to see this "can-do, make it happen" attitude, not just from public sector employers, but also from those in the private sector and particularly in the hospitality industry.
Perhaps IBEC, the Licensed Vintners Association, and the Vintners Association of Ireland would now join the medical profession in reminding their members of the serious health consequences of passive smoking and their legal obligations to their employees. - Yours, etc.,
Dr PATRICK DOORLEY, FFPHMI, Tipper Road, Naas, Co Kildare.