Adeje Town Hall's Department of Health headed by councillor Esther Rivero Vargas, has joined the ‘Smoke-Free Zones’ campaign promoted by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). The initiative, which was launched after the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, aims to promote smoke-free areas in environments frequented by children and young people, such as parks, schools and outdoor sports facilities.
The AECC and Adeje Town Hall aim to strengthen prevention measures through specific actions designed to reduce tobacco exposure and promote healthy habits across the population. According to AECC data, 42.5% of children under the age of 12 are involuntarily exposed to second-hand smoke in public places.
Rivero Vargas commented, “This project represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer and in promoting healthy lifestyles in Adeje. With this campaign, we are not looking to single anyone out, but to advance prevention and awareness, and above all, to protect children.” She also noted that this initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the local government “which places public health at the heart of municipal management.”
The campaign includes a number of actions planned over the coming months, such as information campaigns, educational sessions and events open to the general public, specialised training for technical staff and municipal employees, support services for those wishing to stop smoking, and outreach through social media and the municipal radio station, Radio Sur Adeje 107.9 FM. The campaign will also look to work with the Adeje Health Centre and various local schools, associations and neighbourhood groups.
Daiana Valeria Garelli, Prevention Technician and Volunteer Coordinator for the AECC in South Tenerife, stressed that expanding smoke-free zones is not just a symbolic move but an effective prevention tool. “Tobacco is no longer just an individual problem; it is a public health issue.” According to the Association, tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke pose serious risks to public health. Although three-quarters of the Spanish population currently do not smoke, many people are still potentially exposed to smoke in public places. New forms of tobacco consumption are also increasing health risks, which is why expanding smoke-free zones is essential.
Protection from tobacco use is considered a fundamental human right, as it safeguards both physical and mental health. In this regard, the Spanish Ministry of Health is working on legislative changes to extend smoke-free areas.
