7.7 PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS From a public-health perspective, anti-smoking campaigns should focus on passive exposure to tobacco products. Here, the most effective solution is the so-called smoke-free environment, i.e., smoking is forbidden everywhere except for (few) designated smoking zones. Overall, the most effective steps to reduce both smokers and passive exposure are (in descending order from the most effective): 1) smoke-free environment 2) maximizing the price and increasing it regularly (through the excise tax) 3) uniform packaging (dominating pictorial warning, unsightly graphic appearance with hardly recognizable manufacturer and type of cigarettes – brand minimization) 4) completely “hiding” the products (this is a combination of a total ban on tobacco advertising, sponsorship by tobacco companies, and the imposition of the tobacco products themselves, so that they are not visible at all as if they did not exist). This can be complemented by a ban on selling tobacco products to people younger than 18. As usual in the field of public health, the main steps include creating effective legislation. Society can also be protected by timely health education – lecture events for children and youth along with educational campaigns for adults focused on non-smoking and healthy lifestyle. In general, a drug-free life is the optimal and desirable option.
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