Dangers For Non-Smokers Seen By Dutch Doctors

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30961, 18 January 1966, Page 11

Dangers For Non-Smokers Seen By Dutch Doctors

(Special Crspdt. N.Z.PA.) LONDON, Jan. 17. Non-smokers are In danger of an earlier death than smokers, according to a report published in Holland. It suggests that non-smok-ers tend to put on weight to the point where it endangers their health. The report was made by two Dutch doctors who investigated the medical statistics of 2180 officers and soldiers between the ages of 40 and

55. They found that nonsmokers in that age-group were on average almost one stone heavier than smokers.

The report does not maintain that there are no risks in smoking. But they feel non-smoking is risky, too, and that further investigations are necessary to decide which of the two are more dangerous.

It adds that the investigation, confined to the military men, may not be sufficient. The report has drawn criticism from the head of the state-subsidised “Stop Smoking” campaign. He says the report would hurt his campaign because people would use it as an excuse to continue smoking. The Dutch may have already reached that conclusion, for smoking in Holland reached a record high level last year, with the average adult Dutchman smoking 1400 cigarettes.