Recent studies on the effect of the smoking ban brought in to Ireland in March 2004 shows a strong reduction in related disease, proving the costs of smoking. This does not mean a prohibition is appropriate, but definitely supports a public place ban and better information for consumers.
Dr Edmond Cronin and colleagues at Cork University Hospital report that the number of heart attacks fell more than 10% in the year after the ban on smoking in the workplace here. Analysis of people admitted with heart attacks to public hospitals in the south-west showed an 11% fall in the year after the ban came into effect. There was no significant change in heart attacks in the second year after the ban, leading doctors to believe it is a sustained reduction.
Dr Cronin told specialist website theheart.org he was not surprised by how quickly the benefits of the smoking ban were played out, considering that within 30 seconds of inhaling smoke the blood platelets get thicker and cardiovascular system stops working so well. The report boosted the case for similar bans around the world to reduce the burden on the health service and raise workplace productivity.
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