26 November, 2024
Ahead of the European Parliament’s vote on the proposed Council Recommendations for smoke- and aerosol-free environments, experts from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) have released a statement in support of the proposal.
The new proposal – Recommendation 2024/0230 – will extend the existing recommendations to novel tobacco and nicotine products, while also expanding protections to outdoor public spaces. This follows the adoption of Recommendation 2009/C 296/02, which produced significant improvements in public health across Europe as a result of smoking bans in public places.
Regrettably, several political groups – even those that purport to be in favour of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan – have sought to adopt retrograde amendments to the EU Commission’s ambition to lower nicotine addiction, tobacco use and their exposure among children. Many amendments have excluded novel products from the outlined protections. This direction of travel, if enacted, risks rendering the update of Council Recommendations futile.
The ERS statement, A clear choice for better health: support Council Recommendations on smoke- and aerosol-free environments, outlines five reasons why Members of the European Parliament should support the proposed recommendations.
1. Novel products have immediate health effects and are a gateway to tobacco use, especially in youth
2. The recommendations will bring net economic benefits
3. The EU should intervene to increase consistency in health protection and simplify enforcement across the EU
4. Tobacco and novel products pollute the environment
5. The majority of EU citizens want smoke-free environments
As Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims for a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, this new proposal will help safeguard public health, protect future generations, and reduce healthcare costs across Europe.
In support of smoke- and aerosol-free environments, Dr Filippos Filippidis, ERS Tobacco Control Committee Chair, said:
“The Eurobarometer released earlier this year showed that there is an increase in use of novel products – and most people experience exposure to smoke and aerosols in places that can harm health, particularly those individuals most vulnerable. It is crucial for these Council Recommendations to be implemented to protect the health of current and future generations.”
Dimitris Kontopidis, Chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF), emphasised the importance of protecting public health by supporting the recommendations:
“Smoke-free environments are important for protecting the health of everyone, especially those of us living with lung conditions who are more vulnerable to the harms of smoking and vaping. Supporting these recommendations would not only reduce immediate health risks but also help ensure that future generations are not exposed to these dangers. This is an important step in creating a healthier society for all and easing the strain on our healthcare systems.”
Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in the EU. Learn more about ERS advocacy activities related to tobacco control.