British government criticized over smoking report

A leading anti-smoking group accused the British government Monday of sitting on a confidential report that confirms the health dangers of passive smoking.

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) said there is no longer any excuse to deny the health damage caused by inhaling other people's cigarette smoke.

"This report shows that Britain's leading medical experts have concluded that second-hand smoke is a serious risk to public health. It is deeply worrying that the government has sat on this for months," said ASH director Deborah Arnott.

The Department of Health denied any delay.

"It is not a cover-up. We are considering the evidence. It is not taking any longer than any other report would," a spokeswoman for the department said. "It is not something we have sat on."

Arnott said the report, which has now been leaked to the Evening Standard newspaper, should have been published in time to inform debate ahead of expected government proposals to deal with second-hand smoke.

Health experts have urged Britain to follow Ireland's example and ban smoking in public workplaces, which would include bars, restaurants and pubs. According to ASH, the report concludes that "it is evident that no infant, child or adult should be exposed to second-hand smoke."

It also found there is an increased risk of lung cancer for non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke of about 24 percent and a greater likelihood of developing heart disease.

In children, passive smoking is linked to a raised risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, middle ear disease, decreased lung function and sudden infant death syndrome, ASH added.

The Department of Health spokeswoman said the evidence in the report was about smoking in the home. "It is not about public places, specifically," she added.

But ASH said the findings of the leaked report are further evidence of the need for a smoking ban. It added that exposure to smoke in both the home and workplace is causing several thousand premature deaths a year across the United Kingdom as well as many thousands of illnesses.

Arnott added the report shows "the absurdity" of any exclusions from a smoking ban. Health Secretary John Reid is reportedly considering exempting some pubs and clubs where food is not served from a potential ban.