The Effects of the Smoking Ban

One year after the introduction of the smoking ban in Romania, things look good, both in terms of health and revenues

Florentin Căpitănescu, 23.03.2017, 13:20

Within six months of the introduction of the smoking ban, almost 2,000 adults and 700 children were no longer in need of hospitalisation because of a worsening of disorders caused or aggravated by smoking. Also, fewer people were admitted into hospital for acute respiratory and cardiac infections. One year since the introduction of the smoking ban, the revenues of bars and restaurants have gone up because non-smokers have also started going out more often, even with their children. These are some of the conclusions of a report on the impact of the smoking ban on the population presented on Wednesday before the Chamber of Deputies committee on health and family.

The ban is also supported by a large section of the population, doctor Florin Mihaltan told Radio Romania:

“Public support has also increased, with 80-85% of Romanians accepting and supporting the smoking ban. 67% of smokers themselves accept and support the ban because they are aware of the effects of passive smoking. The law tries to eliminate these negative effects and protect passive smokers.”

According to official statistics, in Romania, smoking is responsible for more than 42,000 deaths every year. At a global level, the World Health Organisation says smoking is responsible for the death of 6 million people and is a heavy burden on world economy. It is estimated that smoking costs the world economy 1 trillion dollars annually in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity.

However, according to a report by the World Health Organisation, the international treaty adopted in 2005, namely the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, has contributed to a decrease in smoking by 2.5% in ten years. The 180 countries that signed the treaty, including Romania, pledged, among other things, to increase taxes associated with tobacco, to ban smoking in some public spaces and apply warning labels on packages. However, the use of tobacco products with potential lethal effects could be reduced even further by adopting more policies to combat smoking, the World Health Organisation report also reads.

(Translated by Cristina Mateescu)