We joined experts and social organizations to analyze the current challenges in smoking prevention, regulation, and control in Spain.

On May 9, the Lovexair Foundation participated in the 15th Congress of the National Committee for the Prevention of Smoking (CNPT), held in Valencia. This event brought together health professionals, institutional representatives, and social organizations to discuss public policies, emerging challenges, and effective strategies to combat smoking.

Smoking in 2025: taxation, regulation and control

The panel on "Tobacco Control in 2025" opened the day to address key issues such as taxation, plain packaging, treatment financing, and the current state of legislation. The panel discussed in detail Royal Decree 579 / 2017, which regulates the manufacture, presentation, and marketing of tobacco products, including nicotine-free e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Its objectives include banning flavoring ingredients other than tobacco and improving control over the composition of these products.

The debate was also held on amendment to Law 28/2005, which proposes measures such as expanding smoke-free spaces, regulating the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes, equating bans for new products, implementing plain packaging, and increasing penalties.

Effective interventions and the MPOWER approach

Currently, the approach to smoking in the healthcare system remains inadequate compared to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. However, scientific evidence shows that smoking cessation interventions are effective and cost-effective. World Health Organization, through its strategy MPOWER, stresses the importance of funding smoking cessation treatments and investing in training for healthcare professionals.

The importance of evidence-based prevention

The opening lecture, given by Dr. Francisco Pascual Pastor (University of Valencia), highlighted the need to properly structure preventive interventions. He emphasized that not all actions are preventive: many lack a theoretical basis, evaluation, or outcome monitoring. Evidence suggests that effective strategies include promoting personal and social skills, changing risk perception, debunking myths about consumption, interactive methods, and ongoing sessions.

Furthermore, the positive impact of family and community involvement was highlighted. In Spain, there are validated programs such as "Unplugged", “PASE.bcn”, “Protego”, “The Adventure of Life” and the “Argos Program”, which demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions.

New products: more risks, less regulation

New devices such as electronic cigarettes, herbal nicotine sticks or nicotine pouches (nicotine pouches o snus), were analyzed by experts such as Adelaida Lozano (FAECAP) and Javier Panero (Ministry of Health).

These products contain high levels of nicotine (up to 50 mg compared to 1 mg in a cigarette), use attractive aromas prohibited in other products, lack clear labeling, restrictions on advertising or consumption in public spaces, and have not been shown to be effective in harm reduction.

Furthermore, its growing popularity among young people and adolescents poses a serious public health problem.

Civil society, key in the fight against smoking

In a panel moderated by Dr. Vidal Barchilón, the role of civil society was highlighted, exemplified by:

• Project Zero, from the Spanish Association Against Cancer: youth movement to achieve the first tobacco-free generation in Spain

• MORE THAN IDEAS Foundation, which reflects on the use of advertising in prevention

• Nonsmokers.org, who shared his 30-year journey in defending public policies

Eva Maroto (left of the image), respiratory physiotherapist and Happyair coach, during her speech at the 15th CNPT Congress

The contribution of the Lovexair Foundation and the Happyair environment

Eva Maroto, Director of the Patients and Innovation Area at the Lovexair Foundation, explained our history of fighting smoking over more than 15 years and through projects such as:

• Campaigns such as “Empty Fingers” and actions in the World No Tobacco Day

• Educational activities in schools with the characters Airman and Airdragon

• More than 100 people helped to quit smoking through our programs HappyAir coaches

• Including smoking in our global campaign Global Campaign, focused on raising awareness about air quality. Thanks to the CheckAir tool, key information is collected for the Global Map of Lung Health, and personalized resources are offered for patients and professionals.

From the Lovexair Foundation we thank the CNPT for the invitation to this important meeting and We reaffirm our commitment to prevention, respiratory health and the defense of public policies that protect citizens, especially the youngest.