Just like the City of Mendoza weeks ago when it sanctioned the ordinance that prohibited smoking in squares, parks and school doors, now it is the City of rosary beads the one who wants to imitate the measure. The objective is to protect minors.
In an effort to reduce both active and passive tobacco consumption in Rosario, the city is discussing the implementation of “Smoke-Free Spaces (ELDH)” in specific areas such as squares, parks and promenades. The proposal entered the Rosario Council was presented by the radical councilor Anahí Schibelbein and aims to protect the health of the population, especially that of the boys and girls who frequent these spaces.
The councilor emphasized the need to advance public policies aimed at reducing the health risks associated with tobacco. “There are more and more cities, both in the country and in the world, that are expanding their smoke-free spaces due to their negative impact on people’s health,” she highlighted.
According to the draft ordinance presented, ELDHs would be open and semi-open areas where smoking or holding lit tobacco, including electronic cigarettes or other electronic vaporization devices, is prohibited. These spaces would be clearly delimited and signposted to inform citizens about the ban.
The measure would cover children’s play areas, sandboxes, aerobic stations and sports sectors in squares, parks and public walks, as well as sidewalks of medical care establishments, homes for the elderly and educational centers.
In addition, guidelines would be established for the elimination of elements that encourage smoking, such as ashtrays or lighters, within these spaces.
This initiative is added to the ordinances already in force in Rosario, which prohibit smoking in closed spaces since 2006 and in spas and outdoor areas near the Paraná River since 2010. This proposal seeks to strengthen existing measures and promote healthier environments. and smoke-free throughout the city.
The Mendoza case
At the end of April, the Deliberative Council of Mendoza applied a significant change to the Code of Citizen Coexistence and prohibited smoking in squares, parks and school doors.
“Smoking or holding lit tobacco, electronic cigarettes or other electronic vaping systems, in squares, parks, public walks, where there are play areas for boys and girls, sandpits and places with aerobic circuits and/or areas for practicing sports.” “, established article 1.
At the same time, the sidewalks of care and confinement establishments for children and adults and those of 24-hour homes for the elderly were included in the ban.
It was determined that the municipality must place information signs in places designated as smoke-free.
Tobacco use
Tobacco use is the leading cause of illness, disability and death in the world. Every year almost 8 million people die on the planet.
In Argentina, almost 45,000 people die per year from tobacco-related diseases. The figure represents 14% of all deaths in the country.
The main causes of death from tobacco consumption:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system: heart attacks and stroke.
- Respiratory diseases, COPD, pneumonia.
- Lung and other organ cancer.
