The British Medical Association (BMA) has today published a new report called The Human Cost of Tobacco.

In the report, doctors have chronicled individual case studies regarding second-hand smoke. Every year in the UK, at least 1,000 people die from the effects of passive smoking.

The report has been launched in Scotland, where the Scottish Executive is expected to make a decision on whether to legislate against smoking in public places tomorrow (10 November).

Dr Peter Terry, chair of BMA Scotland, said: “Smoking related illness accounts for 35,000 Scottish hospital admissions each year, costing the NHS in Scotland an estimated £200m. This is the financial cost of tobacco, but the human cost is much greater.” Details: www.bma.org.uk