There are good prospects for Brazil to be a “smoke-free” country, says expert

Brazil has “good chances” to become a “cigarette-free” country, according to physiatrist Erika Suzigan.

According to the World Health Organization, a country is only considered “smoke free” when it has less than 5% of smokers.

Experts from Sweden and other European countries met on Thursday in São Paulo to discuss harm reduction initiatives that can prevent disease and premature death related to tobacco use.

A CNN Radio she explained that Brazil “has a well-regarded anti-smoking policy, with good rates for reducing smoking.”

At the same time, however, Suzigan points out that there is still concern “because there has been an increase in another form of smoking, with electronic cigarettes, which have increased especially among young people.”

At the meeting, the physiatrist stated that electronic cigarettes were the subject of debate to discuss the concerns and implications of use.

She pointed out that there is scientific literature that points out that they are capable of helping to stop smoking, and that they are, in a way, depending on the model, less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes.

Regarding the regulation of “vape” – which has already been discussed by Anvisa but has not moved forward – she considers that “maintaining the ban can encourage use.”

“The ideal is to regulate and have supervision to not allow greater damage”, he added.

*Produced by Isabel Campos