The Smoking Ban has helped keep people with breathing problems out of hospital and saved lives, according to a survey released today by the British Lung Foundation.
The survey, carried out by the BLF of more than 1000 people with lung conditions, shows that more than half (56%) say they have had fewer attacks of breathlessness from passive smoking in pubs and restaurants since the Smoking Ban was introduced, and nearly two fifths (39%) say the Ban has helped keep them out of hospital.
People with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are often rushed to hospital with attacks of breathlessness, a terrifying experience which can result in death. In the past most people with a lung condition have been unable to enjoy a visit to the pub or restaurant because passive smoking could bring on an attack.
Other findings show that more than three quarters (81%) of people with lung conditions, more than half of whom have a smoking-related disease, say that Nicotine Replacement Therapy should be available free of charge for as long as it is needed by smokers who are trying to quit; more than two thirds (68%) say that supermarkets should discourage smokers by not displaying cigarettes for sale; and nearly two thirds (72%) say there should be a ban on cigarette vending machines in pubs, restaurants and other public places.
“All I want to be able to do is live a normal life,” says Sue Matthews, who has COPD. “Our Breathe Easy support group met in a pub this year – it was the first time we had ever been able to do that without worrying that we might be rushed to hospital fighting for breath.”
“The Smoking Ban has helped to save the lives of people with breathing problems by cutting down on their exposure to passive smoke,” says Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation. “People with smoking-related lung conditions know how devastating it is to be struggling for breath. A smoke-free atmosphere gives our lungs a new lease of life.”
The survey included people with Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Bronchiectasis, Sleep Apnoea, Fibrosing Alveolitis, Sarcoidosis, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma.
For more infomation please contact Katherine Huntly on 02076885588 or Jill Morrell on 02076885565.
