Creating healthier environments: EU takes action against tobacco and e-cigarette exposure

On 17 September, the European Commission proposed long-awaited recommendations to establish smoke-free environments across the European Union (EU). These recommendations are designed to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and emissions from e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products. 

The recommendations encourage EU Member States to expand smoke-free spaces to areas popular amongst children, such as playgrounds and swimming pools. Importantly, they also call for novel tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, to be included in these policies. 

Key Areas Covered by the Recommendations 

The recommendations cover a range of public places, including: 

• indoor workplaces (all enclosed work environments); 
• indoor public places (such as shopping centers and libraries);  
• public transport and outdoor areas related to public transportation (buses, trams, trains, stations, and airports); 
• designated outdoor recreational areas (playgrounds, amusement parks, and swimming pools); 
• outdoor spaces of service (restaurants, bars, and cafes); 
• outdoor areas of healthcare facilities (hospitals and clinics); 
• outdoor educational institutions (schools and childcare facilities); 
• other outdoor areas where the public, especially children and vulnerable individuals, may gather, such as event venues and auditoriums; 
• private vehicles where children or vulnerable individuals are present. 

A joint statement from Lungs Europe, a partnership between the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Lung Foundation, alongside the European Cancer Organisation welcomes this development as a positive step forward. After frustrations over a lack of action on this issue, the organisations hope that the Council will quickly adopt the recommendations. They also call for further tobacco policies outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to be reviewed and updated in the coming months.  

Dr. Filippos Filippidis, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, commented on the recommendations: 

“Smoking in public places such as children’s play areas, outdoor pools, amusement parks, and terraces must continue to be denormalised. Evidence shows that smoke-free areas prevent the uptake of tobacco smoking among children and young people. With emerging tobacco product use on the rise, their inclusion is a crucial step in protecting the European population from exposure to harmful substances.”

Looking Ahead 

While the recommendations are a significant milestone, their successful implementation will require ongoing commitment from Member States. As we look toward a healthier future, it i‘s crucial to continue raising awareness and fostering support for these initiatives to create safer environments for everyone. 

Read the statement here.