Spanish society favours the expansion of smoke-free spaces to reduce tobacco consumption while protecting the environment. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 Spaniards are in favour of punishing those who throw cigarette butts on the ground.
The Spanish population is aware that tobacco and its waste are harmful to the environment. Both Spanish non-smokers (96.9%) and smokers (80.3%) are in favour of penalising the disposal of cigarette butts. Seven out of ten Spaniards believe that if this measure were introduced, a large proportion of smokers would actually quit smoking.
Tightening tobacco law
These figures are important because the Ministry of Health plans to tighten the tobacco law to expand smoke-free spaces and equalise all forms of nicotine consumption. This data comes from an annual survey conducted by general practitioners. The results confirm that Spanish society is in favour of adopting new measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption.
Smoke-free week
According to Sara Cascón, coordinator of the Semana sin humo, the smoke-free week is particularly concerned about the increase in tobacco use among adolescents and young people. This year, the week will take place from 25 to 31 May. The Spanish Association of General Practitioners (SemFYC) has organised the smoke-free week for the past 25 years.
Vaping
A record number of 11,774 people took part in this year’s survey. They were patients visiting a health centre. The responses show that 6.6% of 14 to 18-year-olds smoke vape cigarettes. The average use of electronic cigarettes in the general population is 1.5%. That means that young people consume four times more of these types of devices.
In addition, 45% of minors in this age group smoke conventional cigarettes in addition to vape. This, according to Dr. Cascón, indicates that these electronic cigarettes “do not replace conventional tobacco, but are the gateway”
Also read: Record revenue for the Spanish tax authorities from tobacco taxes