Although it is a normalized addiction, regulatory bodies in various countries do not seem to forget that the tobacco habit represents a problem. Therefore, the European Union (EU) wants member states to implement stricter measures in order to achieve a “tobacco-free generation”.
In October last year, the then UK Prime Minister proposed a controversial measure seeking to create a "tobacco-free generation" and reduce the number of tobacco-related deaths.
Aiming at the buying and selling of cigarettes, rather than the act of smoking itself, the idea is that, from 2027 onwards, each year the legal age for selling cigarettes, currently 18, will increase by one year.
Therefore, people born in or after 2009 will not be able to legally buy tobacco. At some point, under a long-term system, it will not be legal for any citizen to buy cigarettes.
Now, with a similar goal in mind, the EU wants tougher measures.
EU also wants a "tobacco-free generation"
On 17 September, the European Commission presented a proposal to create smoke-free and aerosol-free environments, replacing the current recommendations, in force since 2009.
The proposal, which aims to combat the risks of aerosols and tobacco, broadens the scope of previous rules and introduces a ban on smoking in outdoor areas, including innovative products that do not contain nicotine, a draft document seen by Euronews confirmed.
Many cancers and other diseases can be completely prevented through simple changes to our lifestyles and environments.
When it comes to risk factors for cancer and many other diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and lung disease, tobacco is at the top of the list.
He stated Stella KyriakidesCommissioner for Health, in a written commentary, adding that an important aspect of prevention lies in addressing primary risk factors.
Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health
As proposed by the EU Commission, by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, the revised recommendation is expected to have a positive impact on health, reducing mortality associated with consumption and exposure to tobacco and emerging products.
The European Commission is seeking to clear public spaces of all aerosols, not just cigarette smoke, reflecting growing concerns about the health risks posed by new tobacco products such as vapes, or e-cigarettes - which Australia, for example, has restricted to being sold only in pharmacies, with a prescription.
EU guidelines do not only include outdoor spaces
In order to strengthen protection against exposure to second-hand smoke and "encourage current smokers to quit", the proposal extends the smoking ban to several outdoor areas, which have been regulated by each Member State.
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Under the new guidelines, outdoor or semi-outdoor areas - defined as partially covered or enclosed spaces such as rooftops, balconies, porches and patios - associated with service establishments such as restaurants, bars and cafes must be made smoke-free.
Public transport spaces, including bus stops and airports, would also be covered, and smoking would be banned in outdoor areas associated with workplaces, hospitals and care homes.
Recreational areas where children are present, including public playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools and zoos, are also included, as are educational establishments, from pre-school to university.
The guidelines are part of the EU Commission's Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to achieve a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040, reduce tobacco consumption by 30% by 2025 and reduce the proportion of the EU population who smoke to just 5%.
It is important to note that the guidelines are not legally binding, but provide a framework for Member States to follow as part of wider efforts to reduce tobacco-related cancer. The Commission states that in the first years of implementation, between 2009 and 2012, there was already a reduction in exposure to tobacco.
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Source: pplware.sapo.pt
