The Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has released a report on the prevalence of passive smoking in Spain. During the event, the findings of a research project carried out with an unrestricted grant from Laboratorios Gebro Pharma were presented, where the current challenges of both active and passive smoking were discussed, especially in light of new forms of consumption, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, with a particular focus on young people.
The study was carried out by the Institute for Market Research and Strategic Marketing (Ikerfel) on behalf of SEPAR and reveals key data on exposure to tobacco smoke and new products in different environments such as terraces, homes, educational centres and workplaces.
According to the experts from SEPAR, during the press conference, this study has found that the prevalence of passive smoking in our country is 24%, that almost half of non-smokers say they breathe tobacco smoke, and that one in three non-smokers and non-consumers of new products indicate that they are exposed to the vapour of these products on the terraces of hospitality establishments.
Just a few days ago, the European Commission asked EU member states to extend the ban on smoking in outdoor areas where large numbers of people gather in order to better protect the population from smoke and vapours. The extension of smoke-free environments would include “outdoor recreational areas where children are likely to congregate, such as public playgrounds, amusement parks and swimming pools”, among others.
Prevalence and evolution of passive smoking in Spain
17% of respondents said they smoked conventional cigarettes, with the highest proportion of smokers being those aged 16 to 44. Regarding exposure to smoke, the terraces of hospitality establishments are the place where non-smokers are most exposed, with 48% of them breathing smoke in these spaces.
In addition, 9% of non-smokers live with smoke in their homes, 7% of non-smoking students report exposure in their educational centers, and 8% of non-smoking employees are exposed in their workplaces, a figure that rises to 22% in the hospitality sector.
Ten percent of respondents reported using new tobacco products, a percentage that is higher among those under 24 and almost non-existent among those over 54. In their homes, 7% of non-smokers live with people who use these products, while 12% of non-smoking students are exposed in their educational centers.
On terraces, 32% of non-smokers are exposed to vapours from these products, and in the workplace, 4% are affected, a figure that rises to 18% in the hospitality sector. In leisure venues, exposure to vapours from new products is 12%, compared to 15% who are still exposed to tobacco smoke. Dr. Inmaculada Gorordo, who coordinated the study, highlighted that “the overall prevalence of passive smoking in Spain is 24%. In spaces such as terraces, more than half of non-smokers are affected.”
The terraces of hospitality establishments are the place where non-smokers are most exposed, with 48% of them breathing smoke in these spaces.
Dr. Juan Antonio Riesco Miranda, director of research projects on tobacco addiction at SEPAR, said: “There is greater tolerance towards exposure to vapours from new products compared to tobacco smoke. However, the majority of respondents are in favour of increasing restrictions on the consumption of these products, especially among smokers and regular consumers.”
Dr. Carlos Jiménez, a member of the Scientific Committee of the study, presented data collected over the last two decades, showing the evolution of passive smoking in the country. According to him, “in the last 13 years, without changes in the legislation on tobacco consumption, the prevalence of passive exposure has increased slightly: in homes from 8% to 9%, in workplaces from 6% to 8%, in educational centers from 6.3% to 7% and in leisure venues from 12% to 15%.”
Tobacco use and passive exposure remain important factors in the development of respiratory diseases. Inhalation of tobacco smoke is linked to serious conditions such as asthma and COPD, and research highlights an increased number of smokers and users of new products in these groups, especially among those with asthma.
The data underline the need to strengthen prevention and awareness policies, and to promote more effective strategies to reduce both consumption and passive exposure to smoke. Despite the increase in awareness of the risks, it remains crucial to intervene to protect public health and reduce the impact of smoking on the population.
Source: Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR)
