Ventilation Systems Not Effective in Blocking Tobacco Smoke

In an article published in the British Medical Journal, Nadine Rae Leavell, Monique E Muggli, Richard D Hurt, James Repace, say that the ventilation systems supposed to prevent tobacco smoke and help in cleaning the air that we breathe are ineffective.

The report also says that British American Tobacco (BAT) was aware that the ventilation systems do not work, but still proceeded to install them worldwide. Internal documents at the company showed that such measures were aimed at preventing wide ranging smoking restrictions. The paper argued that a total ban on smoking in public places is the only way to effectively protect the population from the dangers of environmental smoke. Commenting on the paper, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, BMA's Head of Science and Ethics urged MPs to vote for a total ban, "These released documents show that the tobacco industry has not acted to protect the public from second-hand smoke. Rather, they have promoted the myth that ventilation systems work to 'negate the need for indoor smoking bans around the world,'" she said. "MPs in Westminster will soon have the chance to use their free vote to decide whether England will follow Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and go totally smokefree. I urge them to read this paper - the only way to protect the public from second hand smoke is to have a complete ban. Half measures will leave many of their constituents at risk from cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems."