Increasingly, leaders and lawmakers across the globe are passing measures to safeguard from the harmful effects of smoking. As the first in Germany to do so, Bavaria state is prohibiting smoking in all establishments that serve food and drink, including its famed Oktoberfest which attracts millions of visitors.

In China, the Ministry of Education and Health has issued new regulations banning teachers from smoking in front of elementary and secondary school students, with all advertising of cigarettes banned and student orientation programs required to include information about the benefits of smoke-free lifestyles.

The US Navy is also implementing a ban on cigarettes, cigars and pipes for crews aboard all undersea operations by the end of 2010. This measure, passed by the US Pentagon and the Department of Veteran Affairs, seeks to protect the health of sailors from lung disease, with help that is also being offered through programs to quit.

Meanwhile, a law recently passed in the United States bans the terms “light,” “mild” or “low” to describe cigarettes to avoid the misleading perception that they are safer or less harmful. And another new regulation bans tobacco company sponsorship of athletic, musical or cultural events.

Bravo, Bavaria, China and United States for your efforts to shield children and adults alike from tobacco’s harmful effects. May people everywhere enjoy the benefits of fresh air in all aspects of their lives.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Germany+Oktoberfest+likely+become+smoke+free/3236136
/story.html#ixzz0sqGPrbhT
http://magazine.web.de/de/themen/nachrichten/deutschland/10740906-Striktes-Rauchverbot-in-Bayern.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20100705-279226/Last-gasp-for-beer-fest-as-Munich-votes-
to-ban-smoking
http://magazine.web.de/de/themen/nachrichten/deutschland/10740906-Striktes-Rauchverbot-in-Bayern.html