European Commission calls for more smoke-free zones to fight cancer --[Reported by Umva mag]

Brussels (dpa) – The European Commission on Tuesday called for more smoke-free areas to protect people from second-hand smoke and to reduce cancer deaths.

“Every year in the EU, 700,000 persons lose their lives due to tobacco consumption, among which tens of thousands are due to second-hand smoke,” said European Union Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.

“We have a duty to protect our citizens, in particular children and young people, against exposure to harmful smoke and emissions,” she added.

According to a press release,the Commission wants to see more smoke-free zones established where children and young people gather outdoors, like playgrounds, amusement parks and public swimming pools.

In addition to traditional cigarettes, the Commission recommends that heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes be covered by tobacco-use policies.

However, health policy is a competence of EU member states, meaning that the Commission can only come up with recommendations rather than with binding legislation.

According to EU figures, a quarter of deaths caused by cancer in the EU, Iceland and Norway can be attributed to smoking, making tobacco the leading cancer risk. (17 September)

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