Evidence brief - How can we best protect non-smokers from exposure to tobacco smoke (2014)

Research clearly shows that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Comprehensive smoke-free laws are the only effective means of eliminating the risks associated with smoking. Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control forms the basis of international action to reduce the burden of disease attributable to second-hand smoke. Smoke-free legislation works, but it is of key importance that certain indicators are not measured prematurely. Doing so would raise the risk of incorrectly portraying low levels of impact and, thus, of jeopardizing political support of the policy. The regional evidence showing the impact of smoke-free legislation for the nine countries in the WHO European Region that meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this brief is presented in light of statements commonly made in connection with the proposed introduction of smoke-free legislation.