Anti-smoking law in effect as of next week

A countrywide smoke-free law will become effective as of Wednesday (Dec 3) in Brazil, banning smoking in indoor public spaces. It has been hailed by experts as an important milestone in the fight against smoking.

The new law, passed in 2011 and regulated in 2014, will ban smoking cigarillos, cigars, pipes, hookahs, and other products in both private and government-owned spaces, including common areas of apartment buildings, restaurants, and clubs, even if partially enclosed by walls, partitions, ceilings, or awnings. Businesses found in violation of the ban may face fines and lose their business license.

The rule further forbids dedicated smoking areas, and also makes it illegal to advertise cigarettes, even in shops where they are sold, where ads could previously be printed on banners. Products are now only allowed to be displayed alongside health warnings. Furthermore, manufacturers will have to enlarge the area assigned to warnings on the dangers of tobacco use, which should be seen on the packs, on the whole of the front area and on one of the sides.

Smoking at home will be allowed, as well as at outdoor spaces, parks, squares, open spaces in football stadiums, public roads and tobacco shops designed for this specific purpose. Also among the exceptions are religious rites, where tobacco use is permitted if it is part of the ceremony.

In the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 16 countries have banned tobacco use in all indoor spaces and workplaces, among which Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.

According to epidemiologist Alfredo Scaff, smoking is not only connected with lung cancer, but also with cancer in the bladder and the intestines. Moreover, it may lead to other diseases, like hypertension and rheumatic disorders. “We tend to associate the habit of smoking with cancer, but it's not just about cancer; there are nearly 50 diseases smoking can cause, either directly or indirectly.” He further mentioned that consequences may affect both smokers and whoever is near them, through second-hand smoke.

The epidemiologist says that, whereas a survey conducted in the late 80's revealed that smokers accounted for 35% of the adult population in Brazil, this figure currently stands at around 11%. “The enforcement of the Anti-smoking Law will limit the number of places where smoking is allowed, and that forces people not to smoke all the time. It's worth remembering that, some time ago, you could smoke on an airplane, at the workplace, inside a movie theater—anywhere.”

The specialist agues that people need to understand that smoking is an addiction and a disease that requires treatment. He points out that Brazil's public healthcare network provides the medication and provisions needed to whomever decides to quit smoking, anywhere in the country.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira