Discouraging smoking in Government Offices/

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (MISCELLANEOUS) DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR - No. 71468/M3/88/GAD. Dated, Trh'andrum, 18th May, 1989. Sub —Discouraging smoking in Government Offices/Institutions and educational institutions—Observance of—An appeal to Staff. Smoking is injurious to health. It is one of the main causes of lung cancer. According to World Health Organisation forecasts tung cancer will soon surpass all other forms of cancer worldwide. Smoking affects not only the smokers but also the non-smokers who are present around and have to inhale the smoke exhaled by smokers. Smoking in enclosed places is particularly harmful because the level of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is raised, thereby Za causing lung disorders even to 'passive smokers'. Government consider that smoking should be discouraged, particularly in Government offices, educational institutions and other public places. Since smoking is a fairly vIdespread behavioural attribute, change in this h4bit is best brought about by the smokers themselves. Government therefore wish to appeal to all concerned to refrain from smoking in Government offices and educational institutions. This will help to create a healthy environment. S. NARAYANASWAMY, Chief Secretary.