Brussels, 30/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 20 January, the European Commission adopted a Green Paper, entitled "Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level", to launch a broad public consultation on the best way to promote smoke-free environments in the European Union.
The Green Paper examines the health and economic burdens associated with passive smoking, public support for smoking bans, and the measures taken so far at national and EU level (see also EUROPE 9353). The advantages and disadvantages of various measures of different scope are analysed, including a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and exemptions of different types (e.g. for restaurants and bars). The Commission considers that the policy of widest scope would bring the biggest health benefit to the public health of the population. It is seeking views on which policy option would be the most appropriate to achieve smoke-free environments: no change from the status quo, voluntary measures, coordination and exchange of best practices between member states, a Commission or Council Recommendation or binding EU legislation. The other EU institutions, member states and civil society are invited to submit their comments to the Green Paper until 1 May 2007.
Presenting the Green Paper, Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "Passive smoking kills more than 79,000 adults each year in the EU. The evidence from European countries with comprehensive smoke-free policies is that they work, produce results and are popular. A Eurobarometer survey found more than 80% of EU citizens in favour of a ban on smoking in workplaces and indoor public places. The question is, how can we build on the trend towards smoke-free environments in member states, and what should be the extent of the EU's involvement?"
Passive smoking remains a widespread cause of preventable death and disease in the EU. Chronic exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers by 20-30% and of heart disease by 25-30%. (oj)