Opinion research released on World No Tobacco Day 2007 (31 May) by Asthma UK Scotland, shows that 33% of people with asthma - over 95,000 people - are going out to pubs and restaurants more frequently since smoke-free legislation was implemented last year. The number of people with asthma exposed to second-hand smoke at work in Scotland has also dropped dramatically from 24% in 2006 to 6% in 2007, meaning that people with this serious condition can now go to work without worrying that their asthma symptoms will be triggered. Shona Haslam, National Director of Asthma UK Scotland, said: 'Smoke-free legislation has clearly been good news for business and great news for people with asthma, who now have the freedom to go out and socialise in pubs and restaurants without the fear of a severe asthma attack.' Lynn Watt, 31, from West Lothian, has moderate to severe asthma. She said: 'Smoke-free legislation has completely transformed my social life. Before, I felt I was really missing out as I was hardly ever able to go out to pubs and restaurants with family, friends or work colleagues. Even no-smoking areas were a problem because I inevitably had to walk through a smoky area and this would trigger my asthma. I definitely go out more for drinks and meals these days as I'm finally able to socialise whenever and wherever I like!' Although Asthma UK Scotland is delighted with the success of smoke-free legislation in Scotland, more work is needed to maintain the momentum that has been created by this measure. Shona continued: 'The Government must continue to build on the success of smoke-free public places and provide adequate funding for stop-smoking support services in Scotland in order to help people quit this deadly habit for good. '28% of people with asthma in Scotland tell us that they still smoke, increasing their risk of asthma attacks and permanent damage to their airways. There has never been a better time for smokers to ditch the habit and protect their own health as well as the health of those around them.' 28% of adults with asthma in Scotland are smokers (National Asthma Panel 2007) based on Scotland adult population of 290,000 with asthma

<< Prev	CIGoutlet.NET News Home	Next >>