
Brussels – The European Council recommends improved protection against second-hand smoke and aerosols.
The EU Council has assumed a recommendation that will assist reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols and attain a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040 as outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
According to the EU Council, the recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments enables EU countries to widen the scope of their existing protection against second-hand smoke exposure to include crucial outdoor areas like playgrounds and restaurant decks. The new steps will also apply to emerging tobacco and affiliated products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
In his remarks, Péter Takács, Hungarian Secretary of State for Health said: “The fight against non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, is a priority for the Hungarian presidency. Today’s recommendation will help prevent such diseases by reducing the likelihood of exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, particularly among children and young people.”
How will the new measures counter emerging tobacco products?
Since the adoption of the last EU Council recommendation on smoke-free places in 2009, many new tobacco and affiliated products have been designed, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and agitated herbal products. Their emissions may be inhaled by onlookers, exposing them to potentially dangerous levels of toxicants, contaminants, and other air contaminants.
The proposal adopted develops the provisions of the 2009 recommendation for aerosol-emitting products. To deliver effective protection, EU countries will be encouraged to additionally restrict the use of these products in particular public spaces, public transport as well as in the workplace.
Moreover, the new recommendation also identifies the prevalence and potential toxic effects, particularly to children and young individuals, of second-hand orientation to smoke and aerosols in outdoor spaces. These areas include restaurant terraces, gardens, beaches and public transport. The EU Council thus recommends that EU countries extend safety from second-hand smoke and aerosols to include a wider range of places.
Comments
2 responses to “EU Council Advocates Strengthened Smoke-Free Workplace Rules”
-
Oh, fantastic! Just what we need—more rules to make our outdoor cafés feel like a sterile hospital waiting room. 🍷💨 Who knew fresh air could come with a side of bureaucracy?
-
Oh, fantastic! Just what we needed—more regulations to stop us from enjoying our “smoke breaks” in peace. 🍃 Because nothing screams ‘freedom’ quite like a tobacco-free generation by 2040! 🤨
Last News
Nigel Farage Describes Germany’s AfD as a ‘Mixed Bag’
“I
Ilkka Oyj – Executive Transactions
Ilkka Oyj Management Transactions, 30.4.2026, 15:30
Ilkka Oyj – Management Transactions
____________________________________________
Obligated Reporter
Name: Juha Mikkilä
Position: Member of the Supervisory Board
Issuer: Ilkka Oyj
LEI: 743700KMZL7E8PLI5X73
Nature of Notification: INITIAL NOTIFICATION
Reference Number: 154058/5/4
___________________________________
UK Remains Open to Chinese Tech After Halting Major Wind Project
“China will be part of the future energy system. Chinese technology will be included in the future energy system,” he stated. “It’s about determining how much and in which areas we wa
Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Europe
Fortunately, EU law protects your rights if your flight is cancelled. From refunds to compensation and assistance, you have options — if you know what steps to take.
Quick Guide: W
May elections: The pollster’s verdict
In a special episode, Sam and Anne speak with YouGov pollster Patrick English to analyze the data and explore potential impacts on the parties.
As votes distribute across the range, who stands to gain—and is British politics heading towards a new multi-pa
Die neue Arbeiterführerin Bärbel Bas
Récupérer les superprofits de TotalEnergies : oui, mais comment ?
C’est pour cette raison que, dans l
Magyar Aims May Agreement to Unlock €10B of EU Funds for Hungary
Von der Leyen shared on X about a positive exchange with Péter Magyar in Brussels, focusing on steps needed to release EU funds stalled due to corruption and rule-of-law issues. The E
Berlin Strengthens Military Ties with Washington Amid Merz-Trump Rift
EU Anti-Fraud Office Considers Investigation into Senior Far-Right Patriots Official
An OLAF spokesperson conf



Leave a Reply