Best practices and the way forward

Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control addresses protection from exposure to tobacco smoke. It stipulates that all people need to be protected from second-hand smoke through the adoption and implementation of legislative and other measures to provide protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public places and public transport.

It is important to remember the following:

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

Non-smokers, including women and children, have a right to breathe tobacco-free clean air.

Ventilation or designated smoking-rooms do not offer effective protection.

All indoor workplaces, public transport, schools and health services should be smoke-free.

People need to be better informed of the hazards of second-hand smoke to themselves, foetuses, children and other family members.