A new study has revealed that Ireland has one of the lowest levels of carbon monoxide (CO) pollution in Europe per cigarette smoked.
The Europe-wide study by the EU-supported Help campaign for a life without tobacco also ranks Ireland first in Europe in terms of protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke pollution and second for our tobacco pricing policies.
The study found that countries with low tobacco taxation rates showed higher CO rates than those countries which taxed tobacco heavily. Currently, the average price of 20 cigarettes in Ireland (€7.05) is almost double the EU average (€3.48).
Author of the report Prof Marcus Dauzenburg said the results confirmed the effectiveness of "a total smoking ban" and showed that Ireland's "high tobacco taxation policies" were benefiting the public.
"There is a clear correlation between CO pollution and both the effectiveness of a total smoking ban, and the effectiveness of high tobacco price policies," Prof Dauzenburg said.
The study was based on more than 110,000 CO measurements taken throughout the 27 EU member states during the Help campaign.
Some 2,250 CO measurements were taken in Ireland over an 18-month period at sporting events, music festivals and schools and colleges.
Carbon monoxide, noted for its toxicity, is produced when there is insufficient air to allow for the complete burning of carbon fuels such as gas, oil and coal, which causes an excess of poisonous fumes.
The study found that daily smokers were exposed to 17½ parts per million of CO, while non-smokers were exposed to 3.9 parts per million.
Non-smokers who were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 minutes per day showed a 25 per cent increase in their CO levels.
Prof Luke Clancy of Action on Smoking and Health Ireland said the results indicated the "positive effect" the smoking ban has had since 2004.
Over time "a more complete picture of the long-term benefits this measure has had on our general health and wellbeing" will emerge, he said.
