A HEALTH campaign warning of the dangers of the increasingly popular shisha pipe is being prepared by Islington Council and the NHS. In the past few years shisha cafés – where flavoured tobacco is smoked through a water-cooled pipe – have sprung up all over the UK. There are around 16 cafés in Islington and they are particularly popular among young people. Last week officials shut down one café in Seven Sisters that was breaching laws on smoking indoors. Environmental health officials said a number of under-18s were present in the Manahattan Shisha Lounge, with some of them smoking.

Health officials are also concerned that the dangers of smoking shisha are not fully appreciated.

Smoking shisha is considered to be as harmful as cigarette smoking, with users risking cancer.

The flavoured tobacco and the cooling effect of the water leads people to think that it is a safer form of smoking, the new campaign will say.

At Highbury Magistrates’ Court, owner of the Manhattan Shisha Lounge, Hanad Adulqadir Mohamoud, 27, was found guilty of 16 breaches of smoke-free offences under the 2006 Health Act.

The café was raided twice earlier this year following complaints from residents, and advice and warnings from the Town Hall. A total of 68 shisha pipes were seized from the café.

Mr Mohamoud was also fined £4,500 for obstruction and providing false information as well as ordered to pay costs of £1,638.

Jan Hart, Islington’s director of public protection, said that many people didn’t realise the dangers of shisha.

She added: “We’d much rather work with businesses than prosecute them, but this was such a serious case we were left with no choice. The smoke that is inhaled contains dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer and lung damage. Cigarettes were also being smoked inside the café.”

A proposal for a medical marijuana collective in Oceano faces an uphill battle when it goes to the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission on Thursday. Tammy Murray of Oceano said she’s not optimistic that the commission will vote in favor of her plans to open Compassionate Cannabis Information Center at 1409 S. Fourth St. Murray said she’s going to give the hearing her best shot, even as she expressed frustration with rules that have essentially created a de facto moratorium on any medical marijuana centers from being able to set up shop in San Luis Obispo County.

“They really have written this ordinance in a way that no one can locate (here),” said Murray, who opened a similarly named collective in Goshen, southeast of Fresno, in 2008. “They’ve got our hands tied.”
If approved, Murray’s collective would be the only such business operating in the county. Murray has said she wants to provide safe access to medical marijuana to those with a legitimate need and a physician’s recommendation, with an emphasis on disabled veterans and those who experience complications from standard medications.
Murray submitted an application to the county Planning and Building Department in May, proposing to open a 470-square-foot collective in a 931-square-foot single-family home on a property surrounded by a sprinkling of homes and mini-storage facilities.
But the chances of approval are slim, based on the results of past efforts to open medical marijuana dispensaries in the county.
Since the county Board of Supervisors approved rules allowing medical marijuana centers in 2007, three people have submitted plans, including Murray. The two previous applicants received little support.
Former county Sheriff Pat Hedges opposed both of the plans. A crime prevention specialist in Sheriff Ian Parkinson’s office has recommended the latest proposal be rejected.
Also, Murray’s proposed business is 922 feet from Oceano Park — less than the 1,000-foot distance that medical marijuana centers are required to meet for schools, playgrounds, and youth or recreation centers.
To drive from one location to the other, however, is about three-fourths of a mile, or 3,960 feet, according to a county staff report. Also, the park and the proposed collective are separated by Highway 1 and the railroad, and not visible to each other because the highway is 15 feet to 20 feet higher than Murray’s property.
The commission could make an exception to the distance requirement and allow Murray to move ahead, county Senior Planner Bill Robeson said. But planning staff has recommended the project be denied.
The Oceano Advisory Council, which advises planners and supervisors on projects and developments, has voted to support the staff’s recommendation based on the project’s location, law enforcement’s concerns, and the belief that the business would harm the community.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Specialist Marsha Mann wrote in a letter to Robeson that the agency wouldn’t be able to meet the need for increased patrol deputies in the area with its current staffing.
“We anticipate an increased workload in calls for service and reported crimes if this project were approved,” she wrote.
The county’s land use rules require medical marijuana facilities be located at least 1,000 feet from any school, library, playground, recreation or youth center. They also have to have a security plan that includes lighting, video cameras and an alarm system.

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will intensify its anti-tobacco initiatives through its cessation clinics and campaigns especially targeting schoolchildren aged 12 to 21, an official said yesterday. “Through our smoking awareness campaigns which we have conducted in 2010 and this year, we realised that there is an urgent need to create regular community awareness activities with regard to tobacco use because of the significant number of youngsters using tobacco,” Dr Hanan Obaid, Head of Community Health Services Programmes Section at the DHA, said.

High risk
“They are our productive population and are at a high risk of developing diseases caused by long-term use of tobacco,” she added.
According to the World Health Organisation, young people who smoke may experience respiratory and non-respiratory effects, addiction to nicotine, and shortness of breath. They could have a lower level of lung function and reduced rate of lung growth compared to those who have never smoked.
In 2010, the DHA conducted 98 anti-smoking campaigns targeting 6,221 people from various schools, colleges, malls, government institutions, and sports clubs.
The data collected from these institutions prompted the DHA to reach out to more schools in Dubai.

If you’re thinking of lighting up on county property, think again; you might soon be facing a fine or jail time. The Ontario County Board of Supervisors on Thursday night approved a law that prohibits tobacco use on county-owned and leased property, including within county-owned vehicles and within 100 feet of playgrounds and structures in county parks. Geneva City Supervisor Char-les Evangelista said the law will help people gradually stop smoking.

“The spirit is good, and the law is good,” Evangelista said.

But many of the supervisors who voted had concerns with how to enforce the law, which would take effect 20 days after the vote.

Seventeen of the 21 supervisors voted in favor of the law, citing the need to improve public health as well as protect residents and county employees from smoke outside county buildings.

Canandaigua City Supervisor David Baker, Manchester Supervisor Jeffery Gallahan, West Bloomfield Supervisor John Champlin and Gorham Supervisor Richard Calabrese voted against it.

Several sobering health statistics are driving the law, as well as the desire to protect children and non-smokers from second-hand smoke, according to Public Health Director Mary Beer.

The lung cancer incidence, cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease rates are higher in Ontario County than the state average and in several neighboring counties, Beer said.

Also, the Ontario County smoking rate is 20 percent; the state rate is 17 percent.

“The numbers tell a story,” Beer said.

Mike Yarger, a resident of Brighton who owns investment properties in the county, spoke out against the law during a public hearing before the board vote.

If supervisors are concerned about people entering county buildings through a cloud of tobacco smoke, then move ashtrays farther away from the building, he said.

“Reasonable accommodations have to be made for the smokers,” Yarger said.

Baker agrees that tobacco use should be prohibited near buildings and in cars, but said the prohibition shouldn’t extend to parking lots and other open areas.

“It has some parts that just don’t work,” Baker said. “We can’t legislate everything.”

South Bristol Supervisor Daniel Marshall said the law could be enforced the same way the law banning smoking in bars and restaurants was — through the court of public opinion.

“That’s what’s going to end up enforcing the law,” Marshall said.

Hopewell Supervisor Mary Green said once people see the no-smoking signs, they won’t do it.

“The document (law) is as good as we can get,” she said.

She’s used to slapping on the war paint for parties and modelling assignments, but you’d think Lindsay Lohan might tone the eyeliner down at the the morgue. You’d think it, but you’d be wrong, as the 25-year-old was sporting heavily flicked kohl at the LA County Morgue today as she took a drag on a cigarette. But then, when your whole life is a photo opportunity, you never know when to expect a close up. It’s hardly appropriate, however, when her duties include cleaning down autopsy tables, scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets.

She has already put in time on Tuesday of this week and last Friday, having turned up late the day before and being turned away.
Judge Stephanie Sautner ordered Lindsay to undertake at least 16 hours at her court hearing last week before her next appearance on November 2.
Lohan had her probation revoked by the judge, who will decide whether to formally find her in violation next week.
Sautner was livid that the Mean Girls star had failed to show up to the Downtown Women’s Centre in Los Angeles on nine occasions to perform community service she was ordered to do for shoplifting a necklace earlier this year.
Lindsay has already put in two full days and completed 16 hours at the morgue – but it looks like she is trying to court favour with the judge by putting in some extra hours.
And while her recent legals woes make it understandable why the former child star was in need of a cigarette, she reportedly quit the health damaging habit in March this year.
It did not take long for her to get back to her old ways, as she has been pictured puffing away on numerous occasions. since.
However the troubled star did recently reveal she is attempting to go on a health kick.
She said: ‘I actually think I’ve gone through enough in my life that I appreciate getting up at 7 or 8 in the morning and going spinning. I like that kind of routine.’
‘When asked how tough the cycling workout can be, she replied, “It is… it’s exhausting.’
Of course fitness fans will know that smoking is bad for the cardiovascular system, which will make endurance activities such as spinning even more difficult.
There is an added benefit to her recent love of early rises as she attempts to get back in shape though.
It will come in handy if she is forced to return to Lynwood Correctional Facility, where she served her last jail stint.
And given how the Herbie Fully Loaded star has exasperated Judge Sautner by repeatedly flouting her probation conditions, there is a fair chance she will soon be getting used to the early morning roll call.
And is she is sent there she will struggle for another reason – it is a non-smoking detention centre.

Charles M. Oberly, III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Angel Toro, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms of more of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a) & (b)(1)(B). At his sentencing hearing, scheduled for February 13, 2012, Toro faces a minimum term of five years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum term of forty years.

According to court documents and facts disclosed at the hearing, Toro distributed large amounts of marijuana to a cooperating defendant based in Delaware. Between February 25-26, 2010, Toro arranged for two drug couriers to transport approximately 300 pounds of marijuana from Florida to Delaware. He further made arrangements through the cooperating defendant to fly from Orlando to Philadelphia, where he would meet the cooperating defendant after the drugs had been delivered. Ultimately, the drug couriers were arrested by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration at a gas station off of Interstate 95 in Newark. Agents uncovered approximately 303 pounds of marijuana in a rental vehicle that had been rented in the name of the defendant.

When it comes to protecting the public’s health from second hand smoke Shawn Pankow doesn’t see there being any ifs, ands, or butts. The Smiths Falls councillor has asked town staff to provide a report on strengthening the town’s no smoking policy to go beyond municipal buildings. Speaking after the committee of the whole meeting Oct. 24, councillor Pankow said he would like to see designated smoking areas established in public parks and recreation areas, while at the same time establishing distance restrictions for smoking from a door or window of any other public area including restaurants and retail stores.

“It’s simply a matter of moving our municipality forward in a very progressive manner,” Pankow said, adding the move could further attract tourists and new residents.

There was a general interest around the council table to do further research into the issue, and Mayor Dennis Staples noted any research would have to include a public meeting to gauge community reaction.

“The public will have great interest in this,” the mayor said.

A Facebook page has been established to receive feedback. It is Smoke Free Smiths Falls.

Councillor Pankow pointed to many municipalities (Edmonton, Alberta, Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) who have significantly increased the non-smoking policies in their communities to include the recommendations he brought forward this week. Councillor Dawn Quinn supported further investigation, but cautioned her colleagues to balance the needs of all residents.

“Smokers have rights too, so we have to put that into consideration. We have to give them a safe place,” she said.

Wayne Brown, CAO/clerk confirmed the town has received some calls this summer from citizens asking for designated smoking areas in parks. He added that should a required setback from doors and windows be enforced council may also have to look at establishing designated smoking areas in the downtown core to accommodate restaurants. When the Smoke Free Ontario Act was first introduced many restaurants and bars were concerned about the impact that would have on their clients and bottom line. To address this, some restaurants have patios or allow their customers to step outside for a smoke. The recommendation could very well alter their ability to continue doing so.

Something requiring further investigation is the means of enforcing such a bylaw in the community. Councillor Ken Graham supported looking into the by-law amendment, but said any changes will require a graduated enforcement policy and significant education program. He later noted that some of the enforcement cost could be defrayed by peer pressure and citizen enforcement.

Councillor Lorraine Allen felt a strong public education program would do wonders for most members of the smoking public, particularly if safe smoke areas are established.

“I think often the education piece is to make people aware that there’s an alternative,” she said.

Should the town ultimately approve any of the recommendations brought forward this week it would exceed the Smoke Free Ontario Act requirements.

Prior to this act being passed by the province the Health Units asked municipalities to enact their own measures. At that time councillor Graham recalls the town opted to wait for the provincial legislation and follow it so they were in line with other communities their size.

Most economics textbooks say that governments cannot cut down the smoking rate through price adjustments because demand of the unhealthy products is not reflective of the cigarettes costing more. Basically, a vast majority of smokers keep smoking despite a spike in price per pack since it is an addiction similar to illicit drugs. Yet, experts point out that common sense in economics does not apply to the real world a full 100 percent and the correlation between prices and smoking rates is quite strong.

This means that Korea is required to come up with an alternative strategy to reduce the number of smokers ― instead of focusing merely on the expansion of no-smoking areas and carrying out anti-smoking campaigns. It has to push up the cost for smokers through heavier taxes.

Asia’s fourth-largest economy raised taxes on cigarettes by 500 won per pack in 2004 and prices have nearly stayed the same since.

“The smoking rates are closely correlated to cigarette values as demonstrated by the data of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),’’ professor Lim Byung-in at Chungbuk University said.

“The economic logic that lower prices lead to stronger demand works in the tobacco markets. In order to slash social expenses associated with smoking, Korea needs to lift the amount of won spent to light a cigarette.’’

Among the 30-plus OECD members, Korea ranks 30th in cigarette prices to be burned with the 7th highest smoking rate of 25.8 percent as of the end of last year.

Mexico has a similar problem as the Central American country ranks 28th in tobacco price and third in smoking rates.

In contrast, Ireland sells the most expensive tobacco products and ranks 11th in smoking.

“According to a report from the World Bank, non-price measures would cost 7.8 to 155.8 times more compared to fiscal measures in achieving the same effect on the war against smoking, which will eventually burden taxpayers,’’ a Seoul analyst said.

“The report also says that every time the price of tobacco products rises by 10 percent, the smoking rate drops by 4 percent. In addition, the World Health Organization claimed that the most effective way to curb smoking incidence is to raise costs for smokers through higher taxes.’’

City police have decided to conduct blood tests of customers caught in raids at hookah joints to ascertain whether they were engaged in substance abuse. The police raided around 34 hookah joints and pool parlours in the city, rounding up 14 customers last week. This was following a demand from citizens before chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who had called on Kush Katariya’s family last week, to ensure that allurements for youths such as pool parlours and hookah joints were closed down. Kush’s alleged killer Ayush Pugliya was learnt to be hooked to pool parlours.

City police chief Ankush Dhanvijay said that the raids are being conducted as part of the department’s social obligations. He said that the police was not the agency which issued hookah joints permission to start business. He said that documents found during raids showed Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and other agencies regulating norms for shops and establishments had granted them permission.

“Blood tests of customers have been conducted after rounding them up from hookah joints. We may book people under relevant sections if their blood samples indicate consumption of contraband substances,” said Dhanvijay.

A copy of the license document, available with TOI, shows that an upmarket hookah joint at Dharampeth under Bombay Shops and Establishment, 1948, was granted permission by various government agencies to conduct a business where flavoured ‘sheesha,’ as hookah is alternatively referred to, and cold drinks could be served.

Dhanvijay, however, said that the police have been giving out permission for eating houses. “We are checking eateries to ascertain whether they are serving hookahs,” he said.

“We are also conducting checks on pool parlours to see whether they are encouraging illegal acts like betting. Police would seal the place and seize property if illegal acts are found going on there,” he said. “Police may have given the pool parlours the permission for entertainment but they are also under review.