In just four months, the “5 euros against smoking” campaign has achieved an objective that could radically change the tobacco market in Italy. In fact, over 50 thousand signatures were collected, the number necessary to present a popular initiative law proposal to Parliament which aims to increase the cost of all smoking and nicotine inhalation products by 5 euros.
The measure would not only concern traditional cigarettes, but also electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine sachets, which are increasingly popular especially among young people. Behind the campaign are some of the most authoritative scientific entities in the country: AIOM, AIRC Foundation, Umberto Veronesi Foundation and AIOM Foundation, united to combat what they define as a true national health emergency.
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The numbers that worry doctors and oncologists
In Italy approximately 10 million people smoke and every year tobacco consumption is associated with approximately 93 thousand deaths. Huge numbers, which also translate into a gigantic economic burden: according to the promoters of the campaign, between health expenses and indirect costs, smoking is worth around 24 billion euros a year.
Scientific associations argue that drastically increasing prices is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of smokers. The declared objective is to achieve a cut in consumption estimated at around 37%, especially among adolescents and young adults, the groups considered most vulnerable to nicotine addiction.
According to Giulia Veronesi, member of the Anti-Smoking Committee of the Veronesi Foundation, the scientific evidence is now consolidated: the more the price of cigarettes increases, the more the number of smokers decreases. European examples such as France and Ireland are also cited in support of the proposal, where the high cost of the packages would have contributed to reducing smoking.
Also in the sights are vapes and new nicotine products
One of the most discussed aspects of the proposal concerns new generation products. The promoting associations accuse the tobacco industry of presenting e-cigs and heated tobacco devices as harmless innovations, when in fact they risk fueling new forms of addiction.
The data on the youngest are described as alarming. Among students aged 11 to 13, 7.5% smoke or vape, a percentage that exceeds 37% in the 14 to 17 age group. And over 70% of the high school students involved consume multiple products at the same time.
Now the decision goes to Parliament
With the signature goal reached, the proposal will now have to be discussed by the institutions. The Senate regulations provide for the exam to start within 90 days of the official delivery. The project not only aims to discourage nicotine consumption, but also to generate new economic resources for the National Health Service. According to estimates, the increase could produce around 800 million euros a year, funds that should be allocated to public health and prevention. There is therefore not just an economic issue on the table, but a health and cultural challenge that could change the habits of millions of Italians.
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