The ongoing attack on nicotine consumers in EU countries is beginning to bring tangible results. The number of smokers over the past ten years has decreased by 15%. This fact is evidenced by an international study that will be published in the March issue of the European Respiratory Journal. According to the researchers' data, who surveyed about 9,000 residents from 14 European countries, the number of passive smokers has decreased by 40%.

According to statistical data, a completely clear trend can be traced. European smokers are being driven out of public places, much less space is being given to tobacco advertising, and the constant increase in their cost turns cigarettes, cigars and other nicotine-containing products into a luxury item.

These three factors are precisely the reason for the significant decrease in the number of smokers. But, unfortunately, such a positive trend is taking place only in Europe itself. Beyond its borders, a much less favorable picture is emerging.

A common misfortune

In third-world countries, the number of smokers is growing every day. According to scientists' forecasts, the number of deaths from diseases caused by tobacco smoking will double by 2020. In total, at least 10 million people will die during this time. Among the victims of the harmful habit there will be many women. "Diseases caused by smoking will become sad news for many girls and young women who smoke," says American doctor Charles Warren.

The number of heart diseases, strokes and lung cancer is growing. Smoking in this case is the main risk factor. "The number of cancer diseases caused by smoking is steadily growing throughout the world," testifies Ron Lasky from Cambridge University.

At the same time, people who have never taken a cigarette to their mouth in their lives also suffer. "The relationship between passive smoking and diseases such as, for example, asthma, is obvious," is convinced Swedish doctor Christen Janson.

These very facts brought Europe out of its lethargic state. The most effective step on the path to combating tobacco is the ban on smoking in public places.

Pubs without cigarettes

Just a few years ago, it was impossible to imagine a cozy tavern, especially an Irish pub, without a crowd of smokers. Clouds of tobacco smoke were as integral a component of Italian cafeterias as a cup of hot cappuccino. Now everything is different.

The Irish haven't smoked in restaurants for two years now. And, strangely enough, no avalanche of complaints has been observed. Recently, British MPs also introduced a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars. This happened fifty years after it was British doctors who first came forward with irrefutable evidence that it is tobacco that most often causes lung cancer.

Opponents of tobacco do not hide their satisfaction. "Thousands of lives will be saved," rejoices English doctor Alex Markham. "Over the past ten years, this is perhaps the most important step on the path to improving the health of the population of Great Britain." The majority of citizens agree with such a point of view. According to sociologists' data, the smoking ban is supported by 72% of residents of Great Britain. Non-smokers are the most satisfied. After all, it is also about their health.

Indonesia, Bhutan and Uruguay decided to introduce restrictions for smokers. "The only way to protect non-smokers is a ban on smoking indoors," is convinced the President of Uruguay, and formerly a doctor, Tabaré Vázquez.

Brussels "presses" on advertising

In Europe in recent years, a whole series of restrictions has appeared that concern advertising by firms that produce tobacco products. Brussels was the first to take up the matter. "The ban on advertising tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to combat smoking. This helps to gradually push the harmful habit out of society's life," is convinced EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou.

The effect of anti-advertising

Men quit smoking more actively than women. According to experts, this is connected most likely with the fear that, having quit smoking, a person will gain extra kilograms. The constant increase in prices for tobacco products also plays a certain role in the fight against smoking. For example, three years ago, for many smokers in France, a 20% increase in cigarette prices was a cold shower. Analysts promise that this price increase will not be the last.

Published in the newspaper "DELO" No. 87 of February 28, 2006.