Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and heart disease. Passive smoking also presents a problem for those living with smokers or who are working in smoky atmospheres for long periods. Asthma sufferers and children are particularly at risk. The government's White Paper 'Choosing Health' has set out initiatives to tackle the problems of smoking and passive smoking in the UK.
The Health Development team works with other Environmental Health & Trading Standards staff as well as other agencies to support the following initiatives:
- enforcement of legislation on underage sales of tobacco products to children under 16 years old
- advice and risk assessment on workplaces for staff exposed to second hand smoke
- promoting smoke-free environments for pubs and restaurants
- partnership working with Bromley PCT to promote stopping smoking
Further information is available from Bromley Primary Care Trust, the Department of Health, Bromley's Trading Standards Team, Smokefree London, ASH and QUIT.
Information on Smokefree legislation and stopping smoking.