Brazil Bans Smoking in Enclosed Areas

The Brazilian Congress has heightened a ban currently in place to include enclosed areas in airports and bars, where smoking rooms have previously been exempt from the regulations. Additionally, Brazil will increase taxes on tobacco products and implement a minimum price rate for all tobacco products sold within the country. The cost to consumers will increase by 55 percent over a four-year period.

The restriction increases to the country's smoking ban, as reported by the Associated Press (AP), is directed to eliminate cigarettes entering the country illegally through Paraguay that are sold for a fraction of the price of Brazilian-made cigarettes.

For all persons who smoke tobacco, the health risks are imminent. It is vital to human life to eliminate the combustion process of smoking tobacco to further reduce the health risks associated. Quitting smoking is not an easy task as the the addiction to nicotine often keeps smokers returning for more. Finding a viable smoking alternative that will eliminate cigarette smoke (primary, secondhand, and third-hand) is not only beneficial to the person who smokes, but also to all of those who come in contact with the smoker.

Brazil's decision to eliminate smoking in enclosed areas, though ventilated outdoors, is a step in the right direction when protecting the health and well-being of those who do not smoke.

What are your thoughts? Will the pricing standard eliminate the problem of illegal products entering the country or make that situation worse?