# Italian Cancer Organizations Demand Stricter Anti-Smoking Legislation Leading health groups urge a total ban on indoor vaping and tobacco advertising. - **Source:** [Il Fatto Quotidiano](https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/08939f45-082f-45df-883b-5036b4661224 ## Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Manifesto Major Italian oncology and research organizations, including Aiom and Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, have unveiled a new manifesto in Rome. The initiative demands an urgent legislative update to protect public health. They specifically target the expansion of smoking bans to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in all public indoor spaces. ## Rising Adolescent Nicotine Addiction The proposal addresses the alarming rise in nicotine consumption among Italian youth aged 14 to 17. Data indicates that 37% of this demographic smokes regularly, with 30% using e-cigarettes and 22% opting for heated tobacco. These figures highlight a critical need to regulate modern devices that attract younger, vulnerable consumers. ## Expanding Public Space Restrictions Health experts are calling for bans to extend beyond indoor areas to include highly frequented semi-open spaces. Proposed restricted zones include school grounds, healthcare facilities, public parks, playgrounds, sports arenas, and beach areas. This strategy aims to create smoke-free environments that shield non-smokers and children from harmful secondhand emissions. ## Total Advertising Prohibition The manifesto advocates for a complete ban on all forms of commercial promotion for tobacco and vaping products. This includes indirect marketing tactics utilized on social media platforms, influencer partnerships, and sponsored events. By eliminating these promotional channels, advocates hope to curb the normalization of nicotine use among the younger generation. ## Economic Policy Proposals Beyond regulatory bans, the coalition is pushing for a significant price increase on all nicotine-based products. A popular initiative proposal suggests raising the cost by 5 euros per unit. Although this measure has already gathered over 52,000 signatures, it remains pending in the Italian Senate, awaiting formal legislative discussion and debate. ## Updating Outdated Legal Frameworks Current Italian regulations are largely based on the 2005 Sirchia Law, which predates the modern vaping market. E-cigarettes entered the Italian market in 2009, followed by heated tobacco in 2014. The current legal framework fails to address these newer devices, creating regulatory gaps that allow for widespread, unchecked consumption of nicotine. ## Staggering Mortality Statistics The urgency of these measures is underscored by the high annual death toll attributed to smoking in Italy. Experts estimate that over 93,000 deaths occur annually due to smoking-related causes, with approximately 35,000 of these linked directly to lung cancer. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing public health crisis. ## Legislative Path Forward The manifesto will be formally submitted to the Senate’s Health Commission to expedite the approval of new provisions. By aligning regulations for modern devices with traditional cigarette laws, the organizations aim to modernize national health policy. The ultimate goal is to secure a healthier future by curbing nicotine addiction across all demographics. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/11/12/divieto-fumo-chiuso-associazioni-oncologiche-notizie/8569043/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._