[AFP] - US Navy moves to ban its crews from smoking aboard submarines starting Friday.
A Pentagon study found the risks of second-hand smoke were severe in those highly confined spaces. Submarine Forces Commander Vice Admiral John Donnelly ordered the ban aboard 73 US subs, citing health concerns.
About 40 percent of the 13,000 US submarine sailors smoke -- double the US national average.
US submarine sailors are also bracing for another major change with women being allowed to serve aboard submarines for the first time starting late next year or in early 2012. |