Countermeasures against secondhand smoke in occupational health in Japan

Abstract

Although Japan has been a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) since 2004, progress in translating the recommendations into national policy has been limited, especially regarding the protection of non-smokers from secondhand smoke (SHS). So far, it has been recommended to install designated smoking rooms in workplaces to prevent exposure to SHS in Japan. We examined the typical designated smoking room that was installed according to "The guidelines for smoking control in workplaces" introduced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2003. It is revealed that such recommended smoking rooms are not functioning. It is necessary to implement smoke-free policy in order to prevent SHS in workplaces.