Santo Domingo.- As part of the actions to protect the health of the population, the Ministry of Health, with the support of a technical cooperation mission from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is promoting the strengthening of policies aimed at guaranteeing environments 100% free of tobacco smoke and other emissions.
The mission, which is taking place from July 27 to 30 in the country at the request of the Ministry of Public Health, aims to provide technical assistance to advance the implementation of measures that guarantee the right of all people to breathe clean and healthy air.
As part of this agenda, the Ministry held the “Unfiltered: Youth, Tobacco, and Reality” meeting, a space for dialogue in which youth organizations, public institutions, and international allies participated, with the purpose of encouraging the young population to be part of the solution regarding exposure to and consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other associated products; promoting protection through smoke-free spaces; and addressing the risks of marketing and its effects on physical and mental health.
During the opening of the meeting, the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, highlighted that the participation of youth is fundamental to building public policies that are more accessible and effective.
We recommend reading:Public Health calls for calm: “There is no risk”; monkeypox does not pose a danger to the population
More Read
“I am convinced that youth are not merely beneficiaries of public policies; youth must be the protagonists of their construction. You possess creativity, leadership, the capacity for innovation, and enormous influence over your peers. When a young person transmits evidence-based information, questions misinformation, or promotes healthy lifestyles, they generate an impact that often transcends the reach of any institutional campaign,” he expressed.
The official warned that tobacco consumption and emerging products continue to be promoted among adolescents and young people through marketing strategies that minimize their risks.
“As a doctor and as Minister of Public Health, I have the responsibility to remind you that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Likewise, we have increasing evidence regarding the risks associated with emissions from electronic cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products, especially when their consumption begins at an early age,” he stated.
More Read
For his part, the interim representative of the PAHO/WHO, Bernardino Vitoy, indicated the following: “We know that you are the main target for tobacco products, nicotine, and other associated products. That they try to charm the youth and deceive them about the harmful effects of these. But we also know that you have the strength and creativity to denormalize consumption, create safe spaces, free of tobacco smoke and other emissions, you have the strength to protect yourselves and your communities and become leaders of a movement that saves lives”.
The head of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry, Andelys de la Rosa, highlighted the fundamental role of youth in the prevention of tobacco consumption and new nicotine products, noting that this challenge can only be addressed through a joint effort between the State, young people, international organizations, civil society, and the support of scientific evidence.
During the session, it was explained that 100% smoke-free environments mean that all enclosed spaces, including health centers, schools, universities, public and private offices, workplaces, and public transport, remain free of tobacco smoke and emissions from electronic cigarettes and other similar devices.
The authorities reminded that ventilation or the existence of smoking areas do not eliminate exposure risks, which is why international recommendations establish the prohibition of the consumption of these products in closed public spaces.
In addition to protecting people from involuntary exposure, these measures contribute to denormalizing consumption, delaying its onset among adolescents and young people, and making it easier for those who wish to quit the habit to do so in healthier environments.
Evidence and immediate sustained health effects
During the technical mission, international experiences were presented that demonstrate the positive impact of smoke-free environment laws.
In Guatemala, nicotine concentrations in indoor spaces decreased by 94% six months after the implementation of the regulations. In Chile, the entry into force of the legislation was associated with a 7.8% reduction in acute myocardial infarctions and a 15.6% decrease in cardiovascular mortality. Meanwhile, in Uruguay, a 17% reduction in hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and a sustained decline in tobacco consumption among adolescents were recorded.
Similarly, it was highlighted that international evidence shows that this type of policy does not negatively affect economic activity or tourism. Studies conducted in various countries reflect that sales and employment in restaurants, bars, and hotels remain stable and can even improve, while customer satisfaction and worker health increase.
In the Dominican Republic, 10% of the adult population are smokers, and it is estimated that between 8% and 6% of young people aged 13 to 15 consume conventional or electronic cigarettes, with an upward consumption trend, especially among women.
Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths each year worldwide. Of this total, more than 7 million deaths are due to direct consumption, while approximately 1.3 million correspond to non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke (passive smokers).
