Mexico put into effect on Sunday (15) one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the world by decreeing that smoking is prohibited in all public spaces.
The first step towards reforming legislation, which also includes banning tobacco advertising, was taken in 2021.
Several other countries in Latin America have also passed laws to create smoke-free public spaces, but Mexico’s legislation is considered the most robust and comprehensive in the region. And it amounts to one of the strictest smokefree laws in the world.
The existing law in Mexico since 2008 —which created smoke-free spaces in bars, restaurants and workplaces—has now been expanded to provide for a ban on smoking in all public spaces. This includes parks, beaches, hotels, offices and restaurants.
The new legislation also includes a total ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products – which means that cigarettes will not even be able to be displayed inside stores.
E-cigarettes, known as vaping, are also subject to new, tighter restrictions, particularly indoors.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) praised the measure and applauded the Mexican government for implementing the ban.
The organization claims that tobacco consumption is the most preventable cause of death in the world, accounting for nearly one million deaths in the region each year, either through direct consumption or exposure to cigarette smoke.
But some smokers are dismayed by the draconian nature of the new law. Basically, it means that many will only be able to smoke in their homes or other private residences.
Others raised questions about the practical aspects of law enforcement.
With police corruption so widespread in Mexico, many people say they fear that, rather than handing out real fines or punishments for smoking in public, some police officers will use the law as an excuse to accept bribes.
8 million deaths per year worldwide
The WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that cigarettes cause more than 8 million deaths a year worldwide.
Direct or indirect contact with all the thousands of substances contributes to the development of more than 15 different types of cancer, in addition to being related to heart attacks, strokes, COPD, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, stomach and stomach ulcers. intestine, sexual impotence, infertility and cataracts.
In Brazil, the Inca (National Cancer Institute) estimates that 443 Brazilians die every day because of smoking. Every year, 161,000 cigarette-related deaths could be prevented in the country.
This text was originally published here.
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