A smoke-free generation in the Netherlands is an ambitious but achievable goal.

• March 15 2023, by Novus Fumus
• 3 min reading time

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A smoke-free generation in the Netherlands is an ambitious but achievable goal. By working together and continuing to invest in tobacco control, we can ensure that children and young people grow up in an environment where smoking is no longer the norm.

Smoking has been a major health problem in the Netherlands and the rest of the world for decades. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and COPD. Thousands of people in the Netherlands die each year from the effects of smoking, and the healthcare costs are enormous. A smoke-free generation in the Netherlands can contribute to reducing these problems and improving overall health and quality of life.

A smoke-free generation means that children born today will grow up without ever being exposed to smoking or passive smoking. This means that no cigarettes, tobacco, or e-cigarettes will be sold or used near children. This can be achieved by implementing effective measures to discourage and reduce tobacco use, such as higher excise duties on tobacco products, restricting tobacco advertising and marketing, and mandating smoke-free environments, such as schools and sports clubs.

It's important to recognize that the fight against smoking in the Netherlands has been ongoing for a long time, and much progress has already been made. In 2008, a smoking ban was introduced in the hospitality industry, and since then, various laws and regulations have been introduced to discourage smoking. For example, the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion and the mandatory plain packaging of cigarettes. These measures have contributed to a decrease in the number of smokers in the Netherlands.

However, there are still challenges to achieving a smoke-free generation. The number of young people starting to smoke is still too high, and there is still too much smoke pollution in public spaces. Moreover, e-cigarette use, especially among young people, has risen sharply in recent years, and the long-term health risks remain unclear.

To achieve a smoke-free generation, we must continue investing in tobacco control. This can be achieved by allocating more funds to education and campaigns, increasing tobacco product taxes, and stricter enforcement of existing regulations and laws. We can also invest more in research into the health effects of e-cigarettes and other new forms of tobacco use.

If we succeed in achieving a smoke-free generation, it will have significant health benefits for future generations and reduce healthcare costs. It will also contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier living environment. Achieving this requires collaboration between government, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and the business community. Together, we can ensure that children and young people grow up in an environment where smoking is no longer the norm.

One of the most important pillars of achieving a smoke-free generation is protecting children from tobacco smoke and preventing them from starting to smoke. This can be achieved by creating smoke-free environments, such as schools, sports clubs, and playgrounds, where children can play and participate in sports without being exposed to tobacco smoke. Banning the sale of tobacco products to people under 18 can also help reduce the number of young people who start smoking.

In addition, it's important to help smokers quit. This can be achieved through effective smoking cessation programs and medication, but also by offering a smoke-free environment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Employers can play a significant role in this by providing smoke-free workplaces and offering smoking cessation programs to employees.

Businesses can also contribute to achieving a smoke-free generation. For example, by ceasing the production and sale of tobacco products or supporting initiatives to discourage tobacco use. Businesses can also play a role in promoting healthy lifestyles and providing a healthy work environment.

In short, a smoke-free generation in the Netherlands is an ambitious but achievable goal. By working together and continuing to invest in tobacco control, we can ensure that children and young people grow up in an environment where smoking is no longer the norm. This will contribute to a healthier future for everyone and a more sustainable society.

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rookvrije generatie

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