Tobacco Use Prevention

Tobacco and Second-Hand Smoke

Did you know that about 80% of a non-smoker's exposure to second-hand smoke takes place in the workplace? Although the Smoke Free Ontario Act, which came into effect in May 2006, prohibits smoking in enclosed workspaces, employees are still at risk of exposure at entrances to buildings and other outdoor spaces.

Second-hand smoke on its own is very harmful and is known to cause cancer, leukemia, heart disease, depression of the central nervous system, diarrhea, toxicity in fetuses, seizures, vomiting, asthma, eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation, liver damage, and gastrointestinal problems.(Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada "Health effects of chemicals found in cigarette smoke" 2004).

In an industrial workplace smokers face a whole new deadly combination. Employees whose respiratory system is already compromised due to smoking and who work in industries with other chemical hazards face increased health risks such as:

  • Occupational exposure to coal, grain, silica, welding pollutants, etc., result in increased rates of bronchitis
  • Chemical interactive effects contribute to lung cancer in cook oven workers, and gas workers.

Spit tobacco is also becoming a problem in smoke-free work environments. Some workers who smoke have a hard time making it through a workday without a nicotine break, so naturally spit, or chew, tobacco seems like a good solution. Although spit tobacco doesn't carry the same health risks to others as second-hand smoke does, it can be a nuisance if it's not disposed of properly.  It also carries the risk of mouth sores, gum recession, lesions and eventually the risk of mouth, tongue, or various other cancers for the user.

Here are some tips on how to make it through a workday smoke-free:
  • Chew nicotine gum or use the nicotine inhaler when a craving hits. You don't have to be ready to quit smoking to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products like the gum or the inhaler. Talk to your pharmacist about the NRT products that are right for you.
  • Eat well. Pack a lunch with healthy foods and some of your favorite foods as a treat so you will have something to look forward to enjoying during the day in place of your smoke breaks.
  • Drink water. Water is a great quit aid. It helps you detox more quickly, works well as a craving-buster, and by keeping yourself hydrated, you'll feel better overall. Drink as much of the stuff as you can manage.
  • Focus on Today! Set small goals and you won't feel out of control. Don't worry about never being able to smoke again. Think about the day you have in front of you and resolve to make it smoke-free. Baby steps! Don't let tomorrow initimidate you today.

DID YOU KNOW.....that Brief Intervention Cessation Counselling (BICC) Training opportunities are available to workplaces.

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