As one in three young people in Luxembourg takes up smoking, Cancer Foundation Director Margot Heirendt is calling for stricter tobacco laws and a renewed focus on youth protection, citing the health and societal impacts of smoking.
"It's obvious that we need tougher laws on smoking," Cancer Foundation Director Margot Heirendt stated during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Wednesday.
Discussions about stricter outdoor smoking rules are ongoing at the European level. A majority of European health ministers, including Luxembourg's representative, back measures such as banning smoking at bus stops or on the terraces of bars and restaurants. However, health policies remain the responsibility of individual nations.
Calls for improved youth protection
Heirendt emphasised the dangers of passive smoking in outdoor spaces. She also expressed worries about how smoking has become more normalised among kids and teens.
"If children and teenagers see smoking as normal, it naturally becomes easier for them to start," she explained. Protecting young people is essential, Heirendt argued, adding, "This is about safeguarding our children, not stigmatising smokers."
She noted that smokers should receive more support to quit, emphasising the need for a shift in public attitudes. This aligns with the "Tobacco-Free Generation 2040" strategy, which aims to reduce Luxembourg's smoking rate to 5% by 2040.
Currently, one in three young people in Luxembourg smokes.
Read also: Cancer Foundation: 27% of Luxembourg residents smoke, upward trend among young people
Banning vapes and nicotine pouches
Heirendt also criticised the tobacco industry for targeting young people with new products. She highlighted the popularity of vapes, colourful disposable e-cigarettes with a variety of sweet flavours, and nicotine pouches, which are placed under the tongue.
"These products are clearly aimed at young consumers," she said. Heirendt called for a ban on both vapes and nicotine pouches in Luxembourg, as seen in other countries. Currently, only nicotine pouches face stricter regulations. Meanwhile, the government is working on a new anti-smoking law.
€1.4 billion in tobacco taxes
Taxes on tobacco products remain a significant revenue source, but Cancer Foundation Director Margot Heirendt called for greater scrutiny of their broader impact. "It's important to compare the amount of excise duty on tobacco with the social costs of the health consequences it causes," Heirendt argued. For 2024, tobacco taxes are projected to generate €1.4 billion in revenue.
Alcohol: Weak youth protection laws in Luxembourg
Alcohol, even in small doses, is carcinogenic, Heirendt warned. "Unfortunately, this is something we need to keep emphasising," she said. She criticised Luxembourg's youth protection policies regarding alcohol, describing them as too lax.
The legal drinking age in Luxembourg is 16 and applies to all alcoholic beverages, including strong spirits. Heirendt pointed out that most EU countries enforce stricter rules. "It's completely illogical to allow tobacco sales only from age 18 while permitting alcohol consumption from age 16," she said.
Cancer Foundation celebrates 30th anniversary
Nearly half of all people will face cancer at some point in their lives, making support for patients and their families a key mission for the Cancer Foundation. According to Heirendt, cancer increasingly affects young people. It is important to note, however, that this upward trend is largely driven by advancements in early detection methods.
"Today, once diagnosed, many cancer patients can still look forward to a long life. With treatment, it's possible to live well and maintain a good quality of life," Heirendt said. Ensuring that patients remain integrated into the workforce and social life is among the Foundation's top priorities.
