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Members of the public are urged to support "World No Tobacco Day" tomorrow (May 31) to help cultivate a smoke-free culture in Hong Kong.
The Assistant Director of Health, Dr Regina Ching, today (May 30) said, "Smoking has been the single largest preventable cause of death in Hong Kong."
"Around 6,900 people each year, or an average of 19 people a day, died prematurely because of tobacco-related illnesses."
She said that people might have a misconception that low-tar cigarettes were less harmful. However, studies have shown that smokers who change to smoke low-tar cigarettes may inhale more deeply and frequently, making the low-tar cigarettes as harmful as the high-tar ones.
Meanwhile, Dr Ching stressed that both smokers and non-smokers were affected by second-hand smoke.
"Second-hand smoke was the most important indoor air pollutant. It is a proven fact that both smoking and second-hand smoke are hazardous to health," she added.
Members of the public are encouraged to join hands with the Government and non-governmental organisations in pursuit of a smoke-free environment by taking the following measures:
* Smokers start to quit the smoking habit.
* Choose smoke-free restaurants.
* Support legislative amendments to further extend statutory smoking ban to cover indoor workplaces and restaurants.
* Inform staff of restaurants or shopping malls if someone smokes in the no-smoking area.
* Persuade family members not to smoke at home.
* Advocate a smoke-free workplace policy.
* Encourage and support family members and friends to quit smoking.
The World Health Organisation has designated May 31 as "World No Tobacco Day" every year to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and prevention of death and diseases caused by smoking.
For more information on smoking cessation, members of the public may call the Department of Health's Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183 or visit the Tobacco Control Office¡¯s website at http://www.tco.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:14
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