The new rules target both traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating devices. Moreover, smoking will be prohibited on apartment building stairs, in corridors, in elevators, and in other common areas of buildings. The ban also applies to apartment and dormitory balconies, where smoke can reach neighbors or common areas.

Another novelty is the introduction of a minimum protection distance around public buildings. Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes will be prohibited within a radius of 10 meters from entrances, as well as near open windows or ventilation systems. The distance will be measured in a straight line, regardless of fences, walls or other obstacles, say health specialists.

At the same time, the law completely prohibits the sale of nicotine pouches for oral use, including those with synthetic nicotine. In parallel, electronic devices will have to comply with stricter safety and labeling requirements, and the promotion of these products will be more strictly regulated.

The new provisions also bring clear obligations for administrators of public spaces and employers. They will have to display no-smoking signs and ensure that the rules are respected, otherwise risking sanctions. For the absence of the no-smoking sign, the fines can reach up to 9,000 lei for persons in charge and up to 12,000 lei for legal entities, with the possibility of suspending activity.

If smoking is allowed or tolerated in prohibited places, the penalties increase and can reach up to 15,000 lei for companies and up to 12,000 lei for responsible persons. Individuals who do not respect the prohibitions risk fines between 1,750 and 2,250 lei or unpaid community service.

The post New restrictions for smokers: from June 24, the list of places where smoking is prohibited is expanding appeared first on ipn.md.

Dense smoke was observed coming out of the window of an apartment located on the third floor of a residential building and four firefighter and rescue teams intervened on the spot.

The flames damaged the belongings in a room of approximately 14 square meters. The owner managed to get out of the house on his own and did not require medical attention. No other victims were reported.

Rescuers warn that smoking indoors, near flammable materials, can cause fires and urge the population to adhere to safety rules.

The post Fire in a residential building in the capital. Preliminary cause: carelessness while smoking appeared first on ipn.md.

The two individuals were quickly evacuated and transported to the municipal hospital in Balti. Doctors stated that the men, aged 38 and 41, suffered burns and are receiving care. The call to 112 was received at 23.04, and the IGSU dispatched a crew of firefighters and rescuers who managed to extinguish the fire in less than an hour. The flames destroyed several items inside the residence.

The preliminary conclusions of the investigation indicate that the fire started from a cigarette. The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations appeals to citizens to respect fire prevention rules and to avoid smoking inside homes, especially near easily flammable materials.

In situations of risk and exception, citizens are urged to call Service 112. IGSU statistics show that since the beginning of the year, there have been 653 fires resulting in 63 deaths, including that of a child.

The post Two men, rescued by firefighters from a fire in Balti appeared first on ipn.md.

The government hopes that in this way, the trade in tobacco products will disappear in the future from the UK, which will put an end to dependencies and health problems caused by smoking. Data from the UK’s national health system shows that smoking is the cause of 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations annually.

The annual costs for treatments and surgical interventions for diseases caused by smoking amount to 3 billion pounds sterling. Associated costs, such as productivity reduction and pollution, are estimated between 21 and 27 billion pounds sterling annually.

The adopted legislation gives the government the right to tighten and ban smoking in public spaces, such as playgrounds or near schools and hospitals. Also, restrictions are introduced related to advertising for vaping devices and various nicotine flavors, a measure that has been criticized by the industry.

The representatives of this entity argue that excessive regulation will drive consumers towards the unregulated market.

The post The British Parliament prohibits the sale of tobacco to individuals born after the year 2009 appeared first on ipn.md.

During the period of February-May, institutions will enforce strict rules regarding the consumption, possession, and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products throughout the entire school territory, including adjacent areas and extracurricular activities. The measures target students, teachers, auxiliary staff, and will be complemented by information and prevention activities tailored to the school community.

Through this exercise, participating schools will apply clear rules regarding the prohibition of tobacco and nicotine products and will organize information and prevention activities, adapted to the school community. Within the pilot, the consumption, possession, and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products will be prohibited throughout the school premises, including in adjacent areas and at extracurricular activities. The measures target both students and teaching staff, auxiliary personnel, and visitors.

The program involves the “Gheorghe Asachi” Theoretical High School and the “Matei Basarab” Theoretical High School from Chisinau, the Gymnasium from Sadova, Calarasi district, the Gymnasium from Samascani, Soldanesti district, and the “Ion Creanga” Republican High School from Balti.

The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Research, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Public Health, with the support of the World Health Organization. The authorities specify that the results of the pilot will be analyzed, and the model could be extended to other schools.

According to recent data, over 12% of teenagers in Moldova use electronic cigarettes. The “School without Tobacco and Nicotine” program has previously been implemented in countries such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

The post Five schools are testing a pilot program for tobacco use prevention appeared first on ipn.md.

People caught smoking in these premises risk fines. Although the exact amount has not been officially announced, French health minister Catherine Vautrin previously said the penalty could be around €135.

The ban does not apply to e-cigarettes and smoking remains allowed on the terraces of bars, restaurants and cafes. In France, known as a nation of smokers, smoking has long been banned in schools and schoolyards, public transportation, enclosed public spaces, offices and playgrounds. According to the French Center for the Monitoring of Drugs and Addictions, the number of smokers in 2023 was 30% lower than in 2000.

The post No cigarette smoke on the French coast. France extends no-smoking zones appeared first on ipn.md.