After the decision of two regions of Spain to ban smoking on terraces and in the streets to curb the spread of Covid-19, the debate around the possible risk of contamination by cigarette smoke is revived. For tobacco specialist Yves Martinet, the risk of precaution must prevail.

INTERVIEW

In Spain, Galicia and the Canaries on Friday banned smoking outdoors, if a safe distance between two people cannot be respected, to fight against the Covid-19 epidemic. Other regions of Spain are also considering taking this same step. So what is the risk of contamination from cigarette smoke? No study on the subject is formal.   

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Fine particles can carry up to nine meters

"It would be a reasonable decision on the basis of the precautionary principle," said tobacco expert Yves Martinet, also president of the National Committee against smoking. "Globally, smokers and vapers cough, and therefore emit droplets which can be contaminating. On the other hand, smoke is made up of fine particles which can carry viruses and bacteria. This has already been shown for d ' other infectious diseases. We must therefore be careful, "he explained Friday morning on Europe 1.

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"Studies show that when someone smokes outside, there can be fine particles of nicotine, tar and fine particles up to nine meters in the air", also specifies the tobacco specialist. He also added that, regarding the risk of contamination, cigarettes and electronic cigarettes should be put on the same level.