Web Exclusive

80 percent support transport smoking ban

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-12-13 10:03

More than 80 percent of people in South China's Shenzhen support a ban on smoking on public transportation vehicles despite cigarettes still being popular treat and gift, according to a survey cited in the Southern Daily Sunday.

The survey of 2,200 people aged between 18 and 45 also found 26 percent smoke and 57 percent of non-smokers admit they are exposed to secondhand smoke at least once a week.

In the past 12 months, 68.2 percent gave visitors a cigarette at their homes and 33.1 percent sent cigarettes as gifts, according to the survey organized by Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Prevention.

The center also warned that non-smokers who get married with smokers are 24 percent higher to get lung cancer that those who marry a non-smokers, and people exposed to secondhand smoke are 30 percent higher to develop coronary heart disease than those not exposed.

In March, Shenzhen, one of the most developed cities in China, launched a smoke ban at hospitals, schools, public transportation vehicles and offices.