100% Smoke Free Environments in Government
Congratulations to the Civil Service Commission ( CSC) for its initiative to promote a healthy workforce through a 100% Smoke Free Environment!
Both the government personnel and the transacting public will benefit from the Smoke Free Government Buildings Premises and Grounds...this translates to millions of people protected from exposure to secondhand smoke.
According to the Memo Circular,
there shall be NO SMOKING anywhere in the government premises and grounds except in OUTDOOR SMOKING AREAS to be designated by the Building Administrators.
Where the government institution provides health, education or social welfare and development services, smoking is absolutely prohibited, and smoking areas are not to be designated.
The OUTDOOR SMOKING AREA shall not be located within 10 meters where people pass or where they congregate.
Violation of the circular is a ground for disciplinary action.
This policy seeks to protect people from exposure to second hand smoke and to encourage people to quit smoking for health reasons.
Exposure to secondhand smoke leads to lung cancer, heart attack, asthma attack, and other respiratory problems. Even small amounts of exposure can have immediate harmful effects. Opening a window or using ventilation/ fans cannot eliminate the exposure to the toxins found in secondhand smoke.
For a copy of the CSC Memo Circular, please see attached or click the link:
http://www.csc.gov.ph/MC2009/mc17s2009.pdfPlease pass the good news around.
--
Deborah Sy
HealthJustice
Unit 1903B West Tower, PSE Building
Ortigas, Pasig, Philippines
