First world consumer of cigarettes per capita in the 1920s, Finland now seems to have become an example of tobacco eradication. Taxes, laws and education seem to bear fruit in the fight against tobacco even if the vaping sector is also suffering.
A HALF LOWER SMOKING IN 20 YEARS!
First world consumer of cigarettes per capita in the 1920s, Finland is on track to meet its goal of ending smoking by 2030. Indeed, the country has succeeded in halving the number of smokers over the past 14 years. Vaping is on the decline among 17 to 1 year olds, with less than XNUMX% of high school students using e-cigarettes daily.
In 2030, the Finnish government predicts that less than 5% of the population will regularly use tobacco products. " While smoking as a whole is currently decreasing worldwide, the reduction has been particularly strong in Finland" , said Hanna ollila, specialist of the health authority.
«One of the most effective ways to reduce smoking has been taxation. Tobacco taxes have increased almost every year since 2009, resulting in a doubling of the average price of cigarettes. »
Finland has also tackled smoking through its education system. Its decision to include compulsory health education in the school curriculum as an independent subject in schools since 2001 is " very unique internationally " and " played a role in preventing tobacco use by children“Said Ollila.
Other measures include establishing smoke-free environments, such as workplaces and restaurants, marketing bans, and putting cigarettes under the counter.
