Will New York's Public Spaces Go Smoke-Free Soon?

New Yorkers may be reduced to hiding in the bushes to smoke if new rules go through on lighting up outdoors.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's health commissioner, Thomas Farley, declared Monday he wants to take the war on smokers to the city's beaches and parks.

Health Hazards of Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking causes many diseases and affects the overall health of smokers.

Smoking has been illegal in offices, train stations and other indoor public places since 2003, forcing the Big Apple's approximately one million smokers to head outdoors.

But Farley's proposal to "expand smoke-free spaces to include city parks and public beaches" would mean there were even fewer places to light up.

It was not immediately clear whether the measure would need city council approval before going through. Although Bloomberg's 2003 ban proved popular, he is criticized by many for attempting to erect a nanny state.

Smoking and Cancer - Causes - Passive Smoking - FAQs - Video
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world.

Smoking in most restaurants and bars was banned in 1995.

According to the health department, 6.9 percent of adults smoke in New York, or about one million people. That's down from 21.5 percent in 2002.

UK Reports Decline in Heart Attack Rates After Smoking Ban
The ban on smoking in public places in Britain has reaped great results, as it has led to a huge fall in the number of heart attacks, according to a study commissioned by the Department of Health.

About 7,500 residents die each year from smoking-related diseases.

Source-AFP
TAN

Spain Mulls Total Smoking Ban in Public Places
Spain's Socialist government said Monday it wants to introduce a total ban on smoking in public places.