In Australia, a law banning smoking in pubs and clubs came into effect
Unhealthy habit
A new study states that people who drink alcohol and smoke at the same time are at a high risk of getting various cancers in the head and neck area, compared to the risk of those who smoke or drink separately. In the new study conducted by the Faculty of Public Health at the University of South Australia, over 300 results of previous studies conducted on smoking, drinking alcohol and the relationship to head and neck cancers were examined and analyzed. The results show that while the risk of getting cancer in the head and neck area is three times greater in smokers and twice in alcohol consumers, in people who smoke and also drink alcohol, the risk is ten to fifteen times higher.
This study is being widely published in Australia these days at the initiative of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, in preparation for the entry into force in Australia yesterday, on July 31, 2006, of the law prohibiting smoking in pubs and clubs, places where, as is known, it is customary to combine smoking with drinking alcohol. This move will be accompanied by increased enforcement and a $2,000 fine that will be imposed on the smoker and the business owner.
Nava Einbar, spokeswoman for the Association for the War on Cancer said in response: "This study proves that the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is also true for health damage. The danger of smoking has been known for years, as has the danger of drinking alcohol. Now it turns out that the combination of these two social customs creates a particularly deadly synergy and causes various cancers in the head and neck area, such as cancer of the mouth and pharynx, cancer of the esophagus and cancer of the throat.
We welcome the new law in Australia which will undoubtedly cause a fundamental change and will be accompanied by extensive informational activity that includes advertising and public relations. In the State of Israel, the law was passed to restrict smoking in public places, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, as early as 1983. Since then, there has been a significant improvement in the smoking situation in public places, however, along with the legislation, there is still a need for firm and vigorous enforcement of the law by the local authorities charged with enforcing it and imposing A fine of NIS 310 for smokers. We call on the heads of the authorities to act to enforce the law and we recommend the public to act in a socially and health-responsible manner, stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. It is important to note that while in the field of smoking there is no "minimum exposure level" and it is recommended not to smoke at all, regarding alcohol, the recommendation of the Cancer Society is not to exceed the amount of a bottle of beer (330 ml), or a glass of wine (200 ml), or A small glass of liquor (30 ml)".
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