European Commission recommended today that the bans against smoking in the EU also cover open public spaces. The recommendation aims at additional protection in the case of so-called "passive smoking", writes BTA.
The Commission proposes that the bans cover outdoor recreation areas where children are likely to congregate, such as playgrounds, amusement parks and swimming pools, outdoor areas of health and educational facilities, public buildings, service establishments, bus stops and gari. It is also recommended that the restrictions include new products such as electronic cigarettes.
The EC will provide €96 million to improve tobacco and nicotine control and prevent addiction to these substances. The Commission notes that health policy is determined by each EU country "taking into account national circumstances and needs".
The EU aims to achieve a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040, so that smokers are below five percent of the population. Tobacco is the leading cause of cancer, with over a quarter of deaths from this disease in the EU, Iceland and Norway attributable to smoking.
The market share of new types of smoking devices is increasing, and advertising for them misleads that they are safe or useful as a smoking cessation aid, the release notes.