France has banned smoking public places beaches and parks. Any smoker who lights a cigarette in public will be breaking the law. The new smoking ban is to protect children passive smoking. This happens when you breathe in smoke other people who are smoking. The government wants to create a tobacco-free generation 2032. This means protecting children today. France's Minister Health said: "Tobacco must disappear places where there are children - a park, a beach, a school. These are places to play, learn, and breathe; not smoking." She added: "The freedom to smoke stops where the right children to breathe clean air begins."
Smoking is slowly falling France. However, passive smoking still causes to 5,000 deaths year. A recent survey showed that 68 per cent French people support rules to ban smoking in public. They also want bans outdoor cafes and restaurants, but these places are not included the new ban. Smoking is one of the leading causes preventable disease, disability and death. It can damage nearly every organ the body. Smoking near children is especially dangerous because their bodies are still developing. Second-hand smoke can lead to breathing problems and asthma. It can slow down or damage lung development. People hope the new ban means children can grow to be healthier.
