In the effort to improve health, safety and well-being, it is necessary to regulate the use of public space. The UAE, like most countries, has rules prohibiting smoking in certain places to protect us from the known and potential harms associated with cigarettes and other tobacco products. While the law prohibits the selling of shisha near residential areas, schools, hospitals and mosques, and bans smoking in malls and in cars in the presence of young children, it does not regulate smoking in some other public places or in private buildings.
As The National reported yesterday, some residents in tower blocks have complained about second-hand smoke that finds its way into their flats because of poor ventilation, and about cigarette butts thrown from balconies. They say that this presents a potential health hazard, especially if the butts get into the hands of children. It also contributes to the litter problem and poses a fire danger.
The health risks associated with second-hand smoke are well documented. Inhaling it over a long period of time can cause chronic and sometimes fatal diseases. But is it appropriate, as some doctors have suggested, to prohibit smoking inside residential buildings? Dr Trilok Chand, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Hospital, told The National that people must be protected from toxic cigarette smoke in both public and private places. He noted that smoke can seep through building cracks and that ventilation systems often fail to filter toxins from the air.
Some countries have already banned smoking inside buildings, or restricted smokers to areas that are well away from entrances, air intakes and windows. This has been implemented along with a clear signage system at all building entrances indicating the no-smoking policy.
In the UAE, great strides have been made in recent years to meet world’s best practice, but there is some confusion. For example, smoking is allowed in many hotel restaurants but not at mall coffee shops. Even where non-smoking areas exist in restaurants, they are not sufficiently separate from smoking areas.
With a high rate of tobacco-related diseases, the country needs sensible legislation and prudent enforcement. Moreover, there should be greater public awareness of the dangers of smoking not just to the smoker but to the population as a whole. Education is the key to healthier living.