Study finds drop in stillbirths since England’s smoking ban

RESEARCHERS studying the impact of the smoking ban in England have found a drop of eight per cent in the number of stillborn babies since it was brought in. 

The Edinburgh University-led study looked at figures for stillbirths and deaths of newly born babies in England between 1995 and 2011, and found that since the smoking ban began in 2007, 1,500 deaths had been prevented.

The study also reported than more than 5,000 fewer babies were born with low birth weight since the end of smoking in enclosed public places. Low birth weight is associated with various health problems in later life, including diabetes and heart disease.

Dr Jasper Been, honorary research fellow at Edinburgh University, said: “Currently only around 18 per cent of the world’s population is protected by comprehensive smoke-free laws. 

“Accelerated action to implement smoking bans in the many countries yet to do so is likely to save considerable numbers of young lives and bring a healthier future for our unborn children.”