NEWS
20 Years On: Scotland’s Smoking Ban Continues to Transform Lives for People with Asthma – But More Must Be Done
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark smoking ban in Scotland, a bold and visionary public health intervention that has protected millions from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) is marking this milestone as a defining moment in improving the lives of people living with asthma – particularly children and young people, who are most vulnerable to poor air quality.
Over the past 20 years, the legislation has:
- Reduced exposure to second-hand smoke in public places
- Contributed to fewer respiratory-related hospital admissions
- Increased public awareness of the dangers of smoking
For adults living with asthma, the ban has created safer workplaces and public environments, supporting better management of their condition.
For children and young people, it has helped protect developing lungs, reduce asthma attacks, and improve long-term health outcomes.
However, significant challenges remain.
Asthma continues to be a life-threatening and life-limiting condition affecting thousands across Scotland, with preventable deaths still occurring each year.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, said:
“The smoking ban was a landmark moment that has saved lives and improved air quality across Scotland. For people living with asthma, it has been transformative. But 20 years on, we must not lose momentum.
Too many people are still living with poorly controlled asthma, and too many children remain exposed to harmful triggers, including in-door smoking. We now need to build on this legacy by prioritising prevention, improving access to asthma right care, and ensuring that every person with asthma receives the support they need to live well with their condition.”
Asthma and Allergy Foundation is calling for renewed action to:
- A shift from reactive care to prevention first
- intensify smoking cessation efforts
- Protect children from second-hand smoke exposure
- Make preventer inhaler use the norm across Scotland
- Protect every child and adult from avoidable triggers & needless hospital admissions/deaths.
As Scotland reflects on this milestone, Asthma and Allergy Foundation urges policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to go further to ensure Asthma Training is embedded into Mainstream First Aid & Health & Safety Training so everyone living with asthma in Scotland is supported to breathe better and live a full live. eLearning can be accessed here https://www.asthmaandallergyelearning.org.uk/membership-join/
20 Years of the Smoking Ban – A life-changing moment for people with asthma across Scotland
The smoking ban showed what bold policy can achieve. Now, we must go further to ensure Asthma Training is embedded into Mainstream First Aid & Health & Safety Training.
Because everyone living with asthma in Scotland deserves the chance to breathe freely and live a full and active life.
Q&A
Key Message
The smoking ban has been transformative – but asthma outcomes in Scotland show that policy must now move further towards prevention, equity, and early intervention.
Q1: Why is this anniversary important?
The smoking ban is one of the most successful public health policies in Scotland. It significantly reduced exposure to second-hand smoke and improved respiratory health-especially for people with asthma.
Q2: What difference has it made to people with asthma?
- Fewer asthma attacks triggered by smoke exposure
- Reduced hospital admissions
- Safer public environments
- Better quality of life
Q3: What does it mean specifically for children and young people?
Children are particularly vulnerable. The ban has:
- Protected lung development
- Reduced asthma-related admissions
- Improved school attendance and wellbeing
However, exposure still exists in homes and private spaces – encouraging smoking cessation is the way forward for families.
Q4: What challenges remain 20 years on?
- Preventable asthma deaths still occur
- Inequalities in asthma care persist
- Over-reliance on emergency (reactive) treatment
- Continued exposure to triggers, including smoke
Q5: What is Asthma and Allergy Foundation calling for now?
- A shift from reactive to preventive care
- Routine use of preventer inhalers
- Stronger protection for children
- Increased public awareness of asthma as a serious condition
- Asthma Training must be embedded into Mainstream First Aid & Health & Safety Training
Q6: What role does public awareness play?
Awareness is critical. Many people still underestimate asthma. AAF Campaigns like Be Asthma Aware aim to change behaviour and improve outcomes.
Q7: What is the long-term vision?
A Scotland where:
- Everyone with asthma can breathe freely, live safely, and achieve their full potential
- Everyone receives effective preventive care
- Children grow up in environments that support healthy lungs
