(Adnkronos) –
From 1 January smoking will be banned in all public outdoor areas in Milan. Thus continues the commitment of the Municipality of Milan “to protect air quality and safeguard the health of its citizens. As already provided for in article 9 of the Air Quality Regulation approved by the City Council in 2020, from 1 January 2025 the smoking ban in the city will be extended to all public areas or open-air public use, including streets and roads, with the exception of isolated areas where it is possible to respect the distance of 10 meters from other people”, it explains.
The smoking ban only concerns tobacco products, while the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is permitted. In the city, the smoking ban has already been in force since 2021 in some specific areas such as public transport stops, parks and green areas, including dog parks and play areas, cemeteries and sports facilities, such as example the stands. This is a measure that has the aim of contributing to reducing PM10, i.e. polluting particles harmful to the lungs, and therefore improving the quality of the city's air, to protect the health of citizens, also including protection from passive smoking in public places, frequented even by the little ones.
“This second step regarding the smoking ban included in the Air Quality Regulation which effectively extends the ban already in force in various areas and zones to the entire city, is primarily an awareness raising action that aims to discourage lifestyles that we know are harmful to the health of all people, not just smokers – explains the Councilor for the Environment and Green Elena Grandi – Cigarette smoking, according to data from Arpa Lombardia, is in fact responsible for 7 % from the fine dust emissions. We are therefore talking about a provision that aims to be a concrete action from which everyone can benefit, both in terms of personal health and general well-being”.
“The behavior of individuals can make a difference and contribute to improving the air quality of our city, therefore, as a smoker, I will be the first to change my habits: I am aware that enforcing this provision will not be simple or immediate, but I am also convinced that it will be a tool to initiate a real cultural change. This is why we count on the collaboration of everyone. I am happy that this measure is finding the support of the scientific world and we hope that the entire scientific community, by sharing this measure, can contribute and help us in raising awareness regarding the harm of smoking”, he concludes.
