NHS Lanarkshire is marking 20 years since Scotland’s landmark smoke-free legislation.
The health board is supporting a campaign led by ASH Scotland and the University of Stirling to celebrate the impact of the public health law, which was passed on March 26, 2006.
Scotland became one of the first countries in the world to pass the new law to protect people, introduced to protect people from second-hand smoke.
Over the past two decades, smoking rates in Scotland have nearly halved, meanwhile exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor settings has dropped by up to 97% for non-smokers.
Kat Jarvie, senior health improvement manager at NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way service, said: “We welcome all initiatives that support people to quit smoking and ensure children can grow up in smoke-free environments.
“It is equally important that we continue to protect those who don’t smoke from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
“This legislation is linked to a 17% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks, highlighting its vital role in saving lives and reducing hospital attendance for smoking-related conditions.
“Smoking is extremely addictive, and we know it’s not easy to stop.
“The NHS Scotland Quit Your Way service offers personalised support, understanding advice and nicotine replacement therapy to support anyone looking to quit smoking.”
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Other public health leaders have also welcomed the anniversary.
Professor Sean Semple of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health said: “Scotland has made fantastic progress in tackling exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke since smoke-free public spaces became law in 2006.
“On this 20th anniversary of one of our most important public health measures, it is important that we celebrate the difference it has made to our health through improving indoor air quality in our workplaces and leisure settings.
“We hope people across Scotland will join us in recognising the significant impact of 20 years of smoke-free public spaces.”
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Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Smoke-free enclosed spaces have saved lives.
“Twenty years on, we must continue to look at new ways of protecting those who are still exposed to tobacco smoke, including some workplaces and child-friendly spaces.
“People in Scotland heartily backed the original smoke-free legislation and it’s time to take a further step to clear the air and provide healthy environments for everyone, especially children.”
For more information about the NHS stop smoking services, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.
Free smoking support is also available through your local community pharmacy.
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