Daily cigarette smoking has decreased in Sweden since the 1980s. The decrease coincides with the broad tobacco prevention work that has been carried out during the same time, writes the Public Health Agency. It then points to various decisions that have been made, for example: banning smoking indoors in restaurants, ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, introduction of bans on marketing, sponsorship and outdoor advertising.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden is concerned about the increasing use of e-cigarettes and nicotine snus among young people. Research shows that using e-cigarettes and snus can increase the risk of starting to smoke cigarettes, it writes.
The Public Health Agency's fact sheet concludes by recommending a change in policy regarding nicotine. The Public Health Agency writes:
To reduce the use of one tobacco and nicotine product, we need to work to reduce the use of all products. Nicotine products therefore need to be included in tobacco prevention efforts going forward.
An effective tool in tobacco and nicotine prevention work is protective regulation, and today the regulation differs between products. Regulation for tobacco and nicotine products that is more similar to the protective legislation that exists for cigarettes would increase the protection for children and young people.
The road to a smoke-free Sweden — Swedish Public Health Agency (folkhalsomyndigheten.se)
