Abstract

The scientific evidence for the negative impacts on health from tobacco smoking is well established. Smoke-free laws provide protection both for smokers, by reducing their consumption and de-normalising smoking in the community, and non-smokers by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals—exposures that result in a death every 6 s. Article 8 of the WHO FCTC and its associated guideline provide the framework for smoke-free legislation in countries. Once enacted, smoke-free laws require strong enforcement and public support to achieve high compliance.

The presentation will provide a global update on the number of countries that have legislation in place, and whether the legislation effectively provides indoor smoke free environments. This analysis has been conducted for a variety of public places including healthcare facilities, universities, other educational facilities, government facilities, indoor offices, restaurants, pubs and bars, and public transport. Information will also be provided on changes since 2006 in the proportion of the world population effectively protected by smoke-free legislation.

WHO supported school-based (Global Youth Tobacco Surveys) and adult household surveys (Global Adult Tobacco Survey) have been undertaken to measure and monitor the level of support for legislation in various countries. Results from these surveys as well as standardised ways for future monitoring of compliance with smoke-free laws will also be presented.