Most Romanians support smoke-free policies, study shows
A total of 85% of Romania’s population supports the national smoke-free policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption in Romania, according to a study presented by 2035 Fara Tutun Initiative. Although the number is higher among non-smokers (91%), nearly three-quarters (71%) of smokers also agree with this kind of policies, reports local News.ro.
When it comes to the law that bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, which entered into force in mod-March last year, 80% of Romanians agree with it. Although the level of support is higher among non-smokers, 63% of smokers also agree with the law.
Mercury Research conducted the study in October 2016, evaluating both epidemiological aspects and the Romanians’ smoking behavior.
Related to the smokers’ behavior, the study revealed that three-quarters of smokers avoid smoking inside their houses, and over half of them don’t smoke in their cars.
More than 90% of smokers agree that passive smoking affects the health of others, and children are more affected than adults. Moreover, nearly three-quarters (74%) of smokers believe that it is not normal to smoke in parks or near playgrounds for children.
When it comes to tobacco products promotion, almost 60% of respondents believe that the attractive packages and the cigarette ads and promotions usually attract children and young people. On the other hand, less than 30% of Romanians think that tobacco ads are necessary.
Smoking kills some 42,000 Romanians every year. According to the 2035 Fara Tutun Initiative, more than 300 NGOs have pledged to contribute to the adoption of policies and measures that permit the generation born in 2017 to be non-smoking in adulthood, in 2035.
Media: Romania’s appointed PM caught smoking in the Parliament
Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com