The European Commission have recently proposed recommendations to establish smoke-free environments and reduce the impact of smoking worldwide. This article explores the recommendations and what this could mean for the future.
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.
The recommendations cover a range of public places, including:
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.”
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.
