Cigarette smoke should be classed as a ‘hazardous chemical’ under European law and strictly controlled in the workplace, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
To mark National No Smoking Day, the TUC has written to the EU to demand that tobacco fumes are listed alongside other dangerous substances that are regulated within businesses.
Trade union leaders said that the EU had a legal obligation to protect workers from harmful chemicals and claimed that cigarette smoke is responsible for diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis and asthma.
The TUC demand comes amid renewed calls from anti-smoking groups for a total ban in lighting up in public places, a move which would severely impact on small businesses such as bars and restaurants.
Previous studies have shown that although fears over lost trade from a ban could be unfounded, most employers admit that they would find it nearly impossible to stop staff and customers from lighting up.
A smoking ban already exists in places such as Ireland and New York, where businesses have reported no significant drop in takings, with many customers enjoying the smoke-free atmosphere.
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said that cigarette smoke should be listed as an occupational carcinogen.
“Tobacco smoke is a killer and should be treated as such in the workplace.
“Making work smoke-free would save thousands of lives and do absolutely no harm to the economy,” he said.
