Ignacio J. Molina Pineda
Professor of Immunology and Director of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3 and Immunology at the University of Granada
In 1987, 56 per cent of the adult population in Spain were smokers, a figure that has fallen steadily to the current 26 per cent, whilst in countries such as Sweden it stands at just 5 per cent. The laws of 2005 and 2010 contributed significantly to this reduction but, following a sharp decline after they came into force, the rate of decline in recent years has been much more gradual. Although the WHO welcomes Spain’s efforts to continue reducing smoking rates, it is clear that a new impetus is needed to accelerate the decline in the number of smokers once again.
Therefore, and although it may initially prove somewhat unpopular, I commend this legislative initiative, which is undoubtedly a step in the right direction as it will have a very positive impact on public health.