SHS is the combination of smoke emitted from the burning end of a cigarette or other tobacco products and smoke exhaled by the smoker and its effect on non-smoker.
SHS contains thousands of known chemicals, at least 250 of which are known to be toxic and are harmful to the body.
According to Sorensen, PNG is a signatory to WHO Framewok Convention on Tobacco Control which was ratified by Parliament on May 25, 2006.
However, PNG must address the next step in drawing up and passing legislation to reduce health risks caused from smoking in public places.
“If we come up with legislation now we can reduce increasing tobacco related illnesses as well as control and cut down on number of tobacco smokers,” he said.
Sorensen said there is strong scientific evidence that exposure to second hand tobacco smoking was causing illness to non-smokers, especially children.
Governments worldwide are now implementing smoke-free policies in workplaces and public places to protect people from the dangers of SHS.
Evidence showed that those who have implemented smoke-free policies in both workplace and public place have observed a drop in levels of SHS and a decline in levels of SHS components in the population as well as significant and immediate health improvements in workers previously exposed to it.
