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Global Smokefree Partnership Launches Research Summary and Short Film Highlighting Link Between Secondhand Smoke and Heart Disease
2010-06-17
 : 17 June 2010
For immediate release
Contact:
Antonella Cardone
Director, Global Smokefree Partnership
a.cardone@globalsmokefreepartnership.org
+39 335 62 44 383
Global Smokefree Partnership Launches Research Summary and Short Film Highlighting Link Between Secondhand Smoke and Heart Disease
Cardiologists Urged To Advocate for Complete Bans on Smoking in Public Places
The Global Smokefree Partnership (GSP) today unveiled a research summary paper and a short film that summarize the scientific evidence linking secondhand smoke to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The new materials, which were launched at the 2010 World Congress of Cardiology, are designed to increase support among cardiologists for more comprehensive smokefree laws.
The paper and film, entitled Warning: Secondhand Smoke is Hazardous to Your Heart, outline the long-established scientific link between secondhand smoke and heart disease as well as evidence that smokefree laws can reduce the incidence of CVD and heart attacks. The summary paper, which is based on the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) comprehensive review of scientific literature in this area, was written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in consultation with the Global Smokefree Partnership and the World Heart Federation. A medical advisory committee, including experts on tobacco control and cardiovascular disease ensured consistency with the existing evidence.
The 14-minute film features interviews with prominent cardiologists in China, Colombia, India and Uruguay who are taking steps in their countries to protect people from the harms of secondhand smoke. The film was produced with technical and financial support from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the World Heart Federation and World Lung Foundation.
“Cardiologists have a responsibility to their patients and their communities to communicate the harmful effects secondhand smoke can have on their health,” said Yul Dorotheo, co-chair of the GSP. “They can do so by supporting 100% smoke-free environments, especially in their hospitals and by working with their patients to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.”
Secondhand smoke is a known cause of heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults and bronchitis, pneumonia, and sudden infant death syndrome in children. According to the World Health Organization, the only effective means to eliminate the health risks associated with secondhand smoke is through implementing 100% smoke-free environments.
All materials are available at http://www.globalsmokefreepartnership.org/heart .
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About Global Smokefree Partnership
The Global Smokefree Partnership is a multi-partner coalition dedicated to promoting smoke-free policies worldwide. The Partnership is co-hosted by the American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance. Partners include Action on Smoking and Health - DC, Action on Smoking and Health London, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Cancer Research UK, HealthBridge India, International Union Against Cancer, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Promoting Action for Smokefree Environments (APALTA), Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Smokefree Partnership Europe, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, World Heart Federation and World Lung Foundation. Funding partners include Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. www.globalsmokefreepartnership.org. | 
