On Tuesday, 17 September, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a recommendation aiming to better protect people from the effects of secondhand smoke and aerosols. It proposes revising the 2009 Council recommendation on smoke-free environments.
The text submitted by the European Commission recommends that Member States extend policies on smoke-free environments to large outdoor areas in order to better protect EU citizens, particularly children and young people. These areas notably include outdoor recreational areas where children are likely to gather (e.g., playgrounds, amusement parks, and swimming pools), outdoor areas connected to healthcare and educational establishments, and even transport stations.
Member States are encouraged to extend policies on smoke-free environments to emerging products such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, which are increasingly affecting the health of very young users. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the negative effects of exposure to secondhand emissions from these emerging products (namely, respiratory and cardiovascular problems).
The European Commission will provide support—specifically through €16 million in aid under the EU4Health programme and €80 million under the Horizon programme—in order to strengthen the fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction as well as addiction prevention.
Member States are invited to implement these recommendations in the light of their national needs and circumstances.
See the text submitted by the European Commission: https://aeur.eu/f/dgb (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)