Letter: In brief

Sir: We now know that cancer-causing chemicals can be found in the urine of babies born to smoking mothers (report, 24 August) and also that chemicals from tobacco can be found in unborn babies whose mothers have been exposed to passive smoking (British Medical Journal, 27 June 1998). Employers, publicans and others who permit smoking in public places now face a stark choice: ban smoking on the premises or ban pregnant women.

DONALD REID

Chief Executive

Association for Public Health

London SW1