Røgfrie

Røgfrie is a Danish term meaning "smoke-free." It is used to describe environments, policies, or areas in which tobacco smoke or nicotine vapor is prohibited or not present. The form røgfrie typically modifies plural or feminine nouns, as in røgfrie områder ("smoke-free areas") or røgfrie arbejdspladser ("smoke-free workplaces"). The root words are røg (smoke) and fri (free).

In public health discourse, røgfrie concepts are part of efforts to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and its associated health risks. Danish authorities and organizations commonly employ phrases such as røgfrit miljø or røgfrie offentlige steder to describe zones where smoking is prohibited. Legislation in many countries bans smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, with variations in outdoor restrictions and exemptions. The practical goal is to protect workers, customers, and bystanders while supporting smoking cessation and denormalizing tobacco use.

Implementation challenges include enforcement, the role of outdoor areas, and exemptions for designated smoking zones. Debates often touch on personal freedom, cultural norms, and economic impact, while supporters emphasize health benefits, reduced healthcare costs, and improved air quality.

See also: tobacco control, secondhand smoke, smoke-free policy. Similar terms exist in neighboring Nordic languages, such as Swedish rökfri and Norwegian røykfri, which convey comparable concepts of smoke-free environments and regulations.