Every year, tobacco claims over 8 million lives globally, making it one of the most significant threats to public health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, second-hand smoke contributes to 1.3 million of the total 8.7 million annual tobacco-related deaths.
To combat this scourge, many countries have implemented measures against tobacco use. Over the years, the WHO's MPOWER strategy has been influential, leading to a reduction in the global smoking rate from 22.8% to 17% by 2021, spanning all economic groups.
As of 2022, approximately 5.6 billion people, or 71% of the world's population, are covered by at least one protective measure against tobacco. The number of countries implementing at least one measure has more than tripled since 2007, rising from 44 to 151 countries. Those adopting two or more protective measures have increased almost tenfold, from 11 to 107 countries.
Among the success stories, the Netherlands (with its ban on smoking while driving) and Mauritius (joining Brazil and Turkey) have emerged as exemplary performers. Eight countries, including Spain, Ireland, Ethiopia, Iran, Jordan, Madagascar, Mexico, and New Zealand, have implemented four out of the five recommended measures.
In Greece and Luxembourg, it is specified that drivers are not allowed to smoke while driving if there are passengers in the car who are under the age of 12.
Moreover, Luxembourg has enacted stricter smoking regulations, prohibiting smoking in playgrounds and sporting venues where children under the age of 16 are present. Additionally, smoking is not allowed in private vehicles if there are children under the age of 12 present.
Several countries worldwide have implemented laws to restrict smoking in cars, particularly when minors are present. However, the rules and age limits for smoking around passengers vary from country to country.
For instance, in Poland, smoking is generally prohibited for drivers with passengers, except in passenger cars and trucks, with no specific age limit for these passengers.
On the other hand, in Cyprus, the smoking ban in cars applies when there are people under the age of 16 traveling in the vehicle. Those planning a family trip to the beautiful island should adhere to these regulations, as violating the law can result in fines of up to €85.
As of August 2019, Belgium has implemented a complete ban on smoking in cars when a child under 16 is present. This measure is designed to protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Offenders, in such cases, may now face a fine ranging from €130 to €1,000, which the Federal Police have the authority to promptly enforce. The main purpose of this fine is to encourage adults to consider the adverse consequences of smoking around children, who are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of passive smoking.
Despite progress, 44 countries have yet to adopt any protective measures recommended by the WHO, leaving around 2.3 billion people vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco.
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The ban on smoking in public places, workplaces, and transportation has made significant strides, protecting around a quarter of the world's population. From only ten countries in 2007, the number has surged to 74, covering 2.1 billion people. Nevertheless, 71 countries still allow smoking in specific public spaces.
Warning labels on tobacco packaging have also seen widespread adoption, increasing from 9 to 103 countries in 15 years. An additional 94 countries now display strong prevention messages on cigarette packets, safeguarding around 4.5 billion people worldwide.
One of the most effective measures in curbing smoking is raising tobacco taxes. A 10% price increase could lead to a 5-8% reduction in consumption in low- and middle-income countries and a 4% decrease in high-income countries. However, this measure has been slow to spread, with best practice countries imposing taxes equivalent to at least 75% of the selling price.
Belgium recently released alarming figures from the Cancer Registry Foundation, showing lung cancer rising to the second leading cause of cancer in women. Already in second place for men with 5675 new cases recorded in 2021, lung cancer has now surpassed colorectal cancer for women, with more than 3500 new cases.
This increase in lung cancer diagnoses among women is primarily attributed to the rise in smoking rates in recent years, with tobacco being responsible for 90% of these cases.
Last December, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke unveiled a comprehensive nationwide initiative to combat smoking, aimed at curbing the harmful effects of tobacco. As part of this ambitious plan, the Federal Government intends to implement a ban on smoking in open-air public spaces starting from 2025.
The proposed ban represents a significant expansion of the government's efforts in the fight against tobacco, constituting a crucial component of its national anti-tobacco strategy. Vandenbroucke revealed that various measures would be taken to achieve this goal. Notably, smoking will be strictly prohibited in open-air public areas, leading to the elimination of cigarettes from amusement parks, animal parks, children's farms, and playgrounds, effective from January 1, 2025.
Moreover, the government plans to further restrict cigarette availability by banning their sale in bars, cafés, and festivals starting in 2025. In addition, an agreement has been reached to halt the sale of tobacco in food shops exceeding 400 m2 by 2028. The possibility of a VAT increase on tobacco products is also being considered by ministers before the year's end.
However, some critics have highlighted the lack of government action in countering the tobacco industry's lobbying practices. The Belgian Foundation against Cancer, expressing concern, stated that there is no formal policy in place to exclude tobacco companies from influencing decisions pertaining to public health. This is despite Belgium's agreement to a WHO convention in 2006, which should theoretically prevent the tobacco industry from interfering in policy matters related to public health.
