The tobacco epidemic is a part of the biggest health problems the world is facing. According to the World Health Organization (2022), tobacco kills half of its users, amounting to more than 8 million people per year with 1.2 million people being a victim of the deleterious effects of second-hand smoke. Consequently, the World Health Organization developed the first public health treaty globally - The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Philippines became a party to this treaty on September 4, 2005. This public health policy aims to reiterate the right of ALL PEOPLE in pursuit of the greatest health standard. The legislation of the Philippines declares that the following should be all in “smoke-free” status: (1) Government facilities; (2) Private offices; (3) Hospital; (4) Residential healthcare facilities; (5) Non-residential healthcare facilities; (6) Childcare facilities/Preschools; (7) Primary and Secondary Schools; (8) Universities/Vocational Facilities; (9) Prisons/Detention Facilities; (10) Hotels/Lodgings - Guest Rooms; (11) Shared ground vehicles; (12) Commercial Aircraft; (13) Commercial Watercraft; (14)Waiting areas for mass transit (Tobacco Control Laws, 2022). On the other hand, smoking is “restricted” in: (1) All indoor worksites; (2) All indoor public sites; (3) All public transport; (4) Shops; (5) Cultural Facilities; (6) Indoor stadium/arenas; (7) Restaurants; (8) Bars/Pubs/Nightclubs; (9) Casinos (10) Hotels/Lodgings - Public Areas (Tobacco Control Laws, 2022).
Cigarette-smoke-free places bring about great benefits to everyone. First, it helps promote the health and well-being of the people, especially nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. By being healthy, there can be a greater possibility of increased productivity among people, especially in the workplace setting. This also cuts medical expenses from medication and treatment. Smoke-free places increased smoking cessation among cigarette smokers contributing to a decreased rate of mortality and non-communicable disease acquisition. It is a great environment that fosters positive role modeling for the youth. Environmentally speaking, these smoke-free places also reduce the risk of fire, waste, and damage to property. Lastly, cigarette-smoke-free places are said to improve a business's image and attract more job candidates (Walden University, 2021).
If I am to think of the disadvantages posed by smoke-free zones, I think that this results in lesser revenues for the government as I was taught that the tobacco manufacturers and users contribute a lot to government tax revenues. Moreover, ConnectUS (2015) argues that such zones take away freedom from people.
I can say that smoke-free zones are being implemented in my hometown, Balanga City, Bataan, but not strictly as they should be. I think that this is mainly due to the lack of enforcers guarding the zones.
References:
ConnectUS. (2015, September 24). 14 Central Pros and Cons of Smoking Bans. ConnectUS. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://connectusfund.org/14-central-pros-and-cons-of-smoking-bans
Tobacco Control Laws. (2022, May 23). Philippines Details | Tobacco Control Laws. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/country/philippines/sf-indoor
Walden University. (2021, March 25). Ten-benefits-of-smoke-free-workplaces. Walden University. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-public-health/resource/ten-benefits-of-smoke-free-workplaces
World Health Organization. (2022, May 24). Tobacco. World Health Organization. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco