Smoke-Free Homes on the Rise in Europe, but Some Countries Lag Behind
Seven out of ten homes in Europe are now smoke-free, but a new study highlights significant disparities among countries. While some nations boast nearly 90% smoke-free households, others still struggle with smoking indoors. The research underlined the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures to ensure healthier homes across the continent.
Eastern Europe Trails Behind Northern Europe in Smoke-Free Homes
The study sheds light on a clear geographical divide:
peaking, with England leading the pack at almost 85% of homes being smoke-free. Ireland, Latvia, and Italy follow closely behind.
On the other hand, Eastern European nations lag behind. Greece sits at the bottom of the list with only 44% of homes smoke-free. Romania, Bulgaria, and Spain also struggle to keep pace.
“With this research, we wanted to examine these home smoking rules around Europe. Although some national surveys have taken place, there had been no large-scale multi-country survey in Europe since 2010,” explained Olena Tigova, the study’s author, emphasizing the significance of the findings. “Countries in Northern Europe have more smoking restrictions indoors, while areas in Eastern Europe and other areas with lower incomes tend to have more leniency towards smoking within homes, often allowing it in designated areas or on special occasions.”
The study revealed that smoke-free homes are more common among older individuals, women, those with higher
education levels, and households that include children.
Since 2004, countless European countries have reputable public spaces Afterwards, however, private spaces,
particularly homes, remain common locations for smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
Public awareness campaigns successfully highlighted the dangers of passive smoking. Also known as second-hand smoke, this inhaled smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals found in directly inhaling cigarette smoke.
Therefore, exposure to secondhand smoke is linked to a range of serious health problems: lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses. The UK National Health System reports that pregnant women exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to experience premature births. Children are also at increased risk of breathing difficulties, asthma, and allergies.
The study authors estimated that approximately 24,000 adult deaths in Europe are annually linked to secondhand smoke exposure.
Scaling Up Smoke-Free Policies
While European nations have made progress in reducing smoking prevalence, increased efforts are needed to accelerate the upward trend.
“At this current rate, it could take another 30 years for all homes in Europe to become smoke-free. To accelerate progress, stronger tobacco control measures are essential,”
stated Tigova. “Expanding smoke-free regulations in the workplace, public spaces, and certain private areas like cars. Coupled with innovative strategies to effectively reduce smoking in homes.”
What specific policy recommendations does the research suggest to increase the prevalence of smoke-free homes in Eastern European nations?
## Smoke-Free Homes: A Tale of Two Europes
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Olena. Your new study paints a picture of a Europe divided when it comes to smoke-free homes. Can you tell us more about the key findings?
**Olena Tigova:** Absolutely. Our research, which surveyed households across multiple European countries, found that while seven out of ten European homes are now smoke-free – a positive trend – there are stark differences between regions. Northern European countries are leading the way, with almost 90% smoke-free homes in some cases. England, for instance, boasts nearly 85% smoke-free households [[1](https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/22/e1/e2)].
**Interviewer:** That’s encouraging. But you mentioned a divide. What about the situation in other parts of Europe?
**Olena Tigova:** Unfortunately, Eastern European nations are lagging behind. Greece, for example, has just 44% smoke-free homes, the lowest in our study. Romania, Bulgaria, and Spain also face challenges in implementing smoke-free policies within homes.
**Interviewer:** What factors contribute to this disparity?
**Olena Tigova:** This research suggests that stricter indoor smoking restrictions, common in Northern Europe, play a role. Conversely, lower-income areas and some parts of Eastern Europe tend to be more lenient towards smoking indoors. We believe this highlights the need for targeted public health campaigns and stronger tobacco control measures in those regions.
**Interviewer:** So, what’s the takeaway message from this research?
**Olena Tigova:** While overall progress is being made, our findings underscore the need for continued efforts to promote smoke-free homes across Europe. By implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies and raising awareness about the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, we can create healthier environments for everyone.