PRESS RELEASE

 

FDI joins campaign in protection against second-hand smoke

 

GENEVA, 25 JUNE 2007 –The FDI joins more than 250 organisations in the Global Smokefree Partnership’s Global Voices Campaign. The campaign aims to garner support from countries and organisations around the world for a strong and effective policy in the protection against second-hand smoke.

The campaign was launched on the occasion of the 2007 World No Tobacco Day, which called for smoke-free environments and also in the lead up to the July 2007 meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The COP will meet to consider guidelines on the implementation of Article 8 of the FCTC, which is to provide protection against second-hand smoke. The purpose of the guidelines is to serve as best practices for countries in the implementation of their smoke-free laws.

By joining the Global Voices Campaign, the FDI agrees to support the principles of the campaign:

• Second-hand smoke is a significant health hazard
• There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke
• There is no safe alternative to 100% smoke-free public places and workplaces
• Ventilation, air filtration systems and designated smoking areas/rooms do not protect people from second-hand smoke
• All people should be protected from second-hand smoke
• All workers have the right to smoke-free workplaces
• Legislation without exemptions is needed to protect people from the dangers of second-hand smoke
• Effective enforcement, implementation and monitoring provisions are necessary components of effective legislation.

“Dentists and associations around te world are increasingly recognising that tobacco use has serious negative effects on oral health. The FDI has strongly backed the FCTC since negotiations first began in 1999 through its membership in the Framework Convention Alliance. We recognise the dangers of second-hand smoke and have for many years been smoke-free in our offices, meetings and events. In support of World No Tobacco Day this year, the FDI issued a call to its members for smoke-free dental associations,” said Dr Michèle Aerden, FDI President.

For more information about the Global Voices Campaign, please visit
http://www.globalsmokefreepartnership.org/globalvoices

About the FDI World Dental Federation
The FDI World Dental Federation is the worldwide, authoritative and independent voice of dentistry. With more than 130 member associations in more than 125 countries around the world, it represents nearly one million dentists internationally. For more information about the FDI, please visit the FDI website at www.fdiworldental.org.

Contact Information
FDI World Dental Federation
13 Chemin du Levant, l'Avant Centre
F-01210 Ferney-Voltaire, FRANCE
Telephone: +33 4 50 40 50 50
Fax: +33 4 50 40 55 55
Website: www.fdiworldental.org

Dr Habib Benzian
Development and Public Health Manager
Email: hbenzian@fdiworldental.org

Christina Lee Thorsen
Communications Coordinator
Email: cthorsen@fdiworldental.org