Read headings A-H from the leafltet below carefully, then scan the text, matching each one with the correct paragraph. The first paragraph has been done as an example.

1.  G  Why be concerned about smoking at work?

Nowadays fewer people are smokers and attitudes to smoking are changing. Smokers area a minority in many workplaces. People have become more aware of the serious health risks faced by smokers themselves. There is increasing concern over the possible health effects of breathing other people's tobacco smoke. Work is one of a few situations where non-smokers may have to spend long periods in close contact with smokers.

2.

When smokers and non-smokers share the same room, non-smokers cannot avoid inhaling some environmental tobacco smoke as they breathe. This is called "passive smoking". The smoke concerned is mainly 'sidestream' smoke from burning cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco, but there is also some smoke exhaled by smokers.

3.

In some situations, a complete ban is justified for safety reasons. But elsewhere the imposition by management without proper consultation of any measures to control passive smoking could lead to resentment among smokers and problems in enforcing the no-smoking rule.

4.

This leaflet does not deal with the well-recognized safety hazards from smoking whre there is a risk of fire or explosion. Nor does it discuss the health hazards to individuals who smoke, particularly while working with substances such as lead or asbestos. Such hazards are covered by guidance on each subject.

5.

It is now beyond doubt that smoking is a major cause of disease and premature death for smokers themselves. Tobacco smoke contains various substances that can cause cancer or other health problems. Raised levels of airborne harmful substances are found when smokers' homes are compared with those of non-smokers. Still higher levels may occur in poorly ventilated indoor places of work where several people are smokers.

6.

There have been many scientific studies on passive smoking. The results of this research were reviewed by the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health in their Fourth Report. The Committee concluded that 'while none of the studies can on its own be accepted as unequivocal, the findings overall are consistent with there being a small increase in the risk of lung cancer from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, in the range of 10%-30%.

7.

It has been recognized for some tiime that exposure to tobacco smoke can cause discomfort and irritation to some people, particularly those who already have a respiratory disorder such as asthma. Passive smoking may cause more distress to this group than it does to most non-smokers.

8.

Limiting or preventing smoking by an agreed and carefully implemented policy may improve employee morale, reduce arguments between smokers and non-smokers, reduce time lost through sickness, and diminish cleaning bills. It will also reduce fire risk.

from Health and Safety Executive