Milan, Italy's bustling metropolis, has implemented a new ordinance banning smoking in public areas and outdoor spaces, including streets, effective January 1, 2025. However, the ban, which imposes fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros on offenders, does not extend to electronic cigarettes, allowing individuals to continue "vaping" in public spaces. This exemption has sparked controversy among health experts and advocates.
Isolated Areas Allow Smoking, But E-Cigarettes Remain Unregulated
Under the new law, smoking is permitted only in isolated areas where individuals can maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from others. The measure, introduced by Elena Grandi, Councilor for the Environment and Green, aims to raise awareness and discourage a lifestyle deemed harmful to public health. However, the decision to exclude electronic cigarettes from the ban has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the law's effectiveness.
Pulmonologist Calls for Consistent Regulation of All Smoking Devices
Francesco Stefanelli, head of the Pneumology department at Sant'Anna Hospital in Boscotrecase (Naples), argues that if cigarettes have been banned, the same should apply to electronic cigarettes. While acknowledging that the problem of passive smoking does not arise outdoors due to particle dispersion, Stefanelli emphasizes that the ban should focus on reducing environmental pollution rather than passive smoking.
"If they believe that it can reduce pollution, it is right that they have done so, but it should also be extended to electronic ones," Stefanelli explains. He further notes that electronic cigarettes can cause problems with passive smoking, particularly in indoor environments, and stresses the importance of clean air entering the respiratory tract.
Studies Suggest Significant Damage from Electronic Cigarettes
Stefanelli points out that while the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes are well-established through extensive research, recent studies on electronic cigarettes have also reported significant damage. "There are studies on cigarettes that are now dated and proven, for electronic cigarettes the in-depth studies are more recent but there are reports that speak of even significant damage," he concludes.
As Milan takes steps to improve public health and reduce the environmental impact of smoking, the exemption of electronic cigarettes from the outdoor smoking ban has sparked a debate among experts. While some argue that the law is exaggerated, others emphasize the need for consistent regulation across all smoking devices to effectively address both health and environmental concerns.
