TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Since the implementation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan nearly 15 years ago, tobacco hazards not only persist in many places, but the situation has even worsened. Hence, the government and employers must address this issue.
Workplace Smoking Rate On The RiseAlthough smoking has been prohibited in indoor workplaces used by three or more people since 2009, a recent survey showed that overall smoking rates among workers aged over 18 and above increased from 17.6% in 2020 to 19.7% in 2022.
Specifically, the smoking rate among adult male workers increased from 26.9% in 2020 to 30% in 2022, while the smoking rate among female workers increased from 4.2% to 4.6% for the same period.
The biannual Adult Smoking Behavior Survey (ASBS), conducted by the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), also unveiled that the rate of secondhand smoke exposure in indoor workplaces rose from 22.1% in 2020 to 28.1% in 2022.
The findings indicated that the issue of tobacco hazards in the workplace persists post-pandemic, even with signs of escalation, further posing threats to employees’ health.
The Invisible Killer: Secondhand And Thirdhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is the most widespread and harmful indoor air pollutant, releasing over 7,000 chemicals, approximately 93 of which are carcinogens and harmful substances. Residual thirdhand smoke substances can stay on clothing, floors, and furniture.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed out that long-term exposure to areas with secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke-related deaths by 30% to 65%.
Meanwhile, the chances of developing lung cancer are 20% to 30% higher compared to individuals not exposed to secondhand smoke, leading to increased possibilities of disease-related deaths.
Workplace Smoke Prevention
HPA Community Health Division head Lo Su-ying stressed that indoor workplace smokers who violate the Act will face a fine of up to NT$10,000.
Lo also cited the government’s “door-to-door smoking cessation treatment,” sending specialists to businesses to assist employees in quitting smoking, as data show the success rate of workplace smoking cessation is higher than individuals attempting to quit smoking on their own.
For the public to enjoy a smoke-free work environment, the government and businesses must act to curb secondhand smoke.