Smoking is life-threatening and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as more than 20 types of cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco consumption kills more than seven million people worldwide every year.
At the WHO conference in Geneva, radical proposals are now being put forward to combat this disease tobacco to move forward. They have it all. There is already a stir in the media about one proposal.
Does WHO want to ban filter cigarettes?
No, he couldn’t do that at all.
At the 183-party conference to the Tobacco Control Convention (FCTC) starting on November 17, there will be papers proposing a ban on the import and production of filters and filtered cigarettes – as well as 15 other measures. This paper was prepared by independent experts commissioned by participating countries to present new ideas for limiting tobacco and nicotine consumption. Filter cigarettes control 90 percent of the market.
“Removing any filters on cigarettes would have a significant impact on reducing the appeal and desirability of cigarettes,” the paper said. Practical filters do not reduce the harm of smoking; instead, they encourage smokers to inhale more forcefully, which carries toxins deeper into the lungs. In addition, billions of discarded cigarette butts poison the environment.
What else do experts suggest?
Among the 16 recommended steps are a complete ban on advertising and no longer allowing tobacco products to be sold commercially, but only by public institutions with strict regulations. This prevents companies from using advertising to attract new customers and maximize their profits. Another proposal is to ban sales to people with certain birth dates, as has happened in parts of the US state of Massachusetts and, since November 1, in the Maldives. The proposal also recommends banning all tobacco additives and flavorings.
Is the proposal binding?
No, said Benn McGrady, a lawyer in the WHO department dealing with tobacco issues. “Normally such a report would be considered by the conference and each party could then take any action they deem appropriate.”
However, the Anti-Tobacco Convention, which came into force 20 years ago and was also ratified by Germany, is legally binding. It lists goals such as limiting sales, high taxes, or a ban on advertising. It is the government itself that decides how this can be achieved.
What does WHO think about this proposal?
It is high time to ban the use of plastics such as cigarette filters, said acting director of environmental affairs at WHO, Rüdiger Krech. On the one hand, they pollute and poison the environment. It is a tactic of the tobacco industry to give the impression that cigarettes with filters are less harmful than cigarettes without filters. “We don’t see any health benefits from plastic filters,” Krech said. “Yes, we are calling for a ban on filters.”
At the same time, WHO put pressure on all tobacco control measures to be implemented, including high taxes and comprehensive advertising bans. WHO wants Germany to raise tobacco taxes regularly.
New products from the tobacco industry such as e-cigarettes or products that heat tobacco instead of burning it have also been a thorn in WHO’s side. “WHO recommends that all countries regulate nicotine patches, e-cigarettes, tobacco heaters and smokeless tobacco at least as strictly as conventional tobacco products,” demanded WHO boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
WHO has recommended a ban on flavorings because these products are mainly aimed at children so that they become addicted to nicotine from an early age. According to McGrady, 15 million minors use e-cigarettes worldwide. “In countries where data is available, children’s consumption levels are nine times higher than adults,” he said. “It is clearly time for Germany, other EU member states and countries around the world to take firm action against these products.”
What does the EU think about the proposal?
He explored his position behind closed doors. A joint draft position in October said it welcomed that 16 proposals had been developed. There is great concern about land and water pollution from tobacco and nicotine products. It should be noted that banning filtered cigarettes can protect society and the environment from harm. The tobacco lobby sees the bill as a first step toward a possible ban on filtered cigarettes.
Is the EU planning a ban?
The EU Commission, which is responsible for legislative initiatives, clearly states: “The European Commission has no plans to ban filter cigarettes.” This is important because only the EU Commission can propose EU laws and introduce them into the legislative process. Groups in EU member states also stated that no ban was being prepared.
Who will decide on the filter ban in Germany?
In all cases, the federal government will make a firm decision. When asked, the Federal Ministry of Health referred to normal legislative procedures. The federal government usually submits proposals that are approved by the Bundestag and possibly the Bundesrat.
If the EU Commission wants to implement a filter ban, EU countries – including the federal government – can prevent this. Because in the field of health policy EU only limited skills.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251116-930-298563/1
