Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke
Name: Green Paper “Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level”Source: European Commission, DG Health
Date: May 2007
In January 2007 the European Commission sought views on how best to promote smokefree environments in Europe. The Commission’s paper provided a summary of the evidence - scientific, economic etc.-in relation to smokefree policies.
Cancer Research UK responded to this consultation strongly supporting the introduction of comprehensive smokefree legislation in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces. There is clear scientific evidence that secondhand smoke is a cause of lung cancer, heart and other diseases.
Our response recommends that the European Commission does not introduce legally binding legislation in this area. However we would support a Commission or Council Declaration which, whilst not legally binding, would place pressure on Governments that have not yet enacted effective smokefree measures.
We also suggest that the Commission continues to support mass media campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke and supports the collection of data on smoking prevalence and attitudes to smokefree places.
For more information, please read our consultation response in full.
