World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is an international day observed annually on 31 May by the World Health Organization to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco products on human health, the environment, and social life. The day aims to create awareness and encourage people to prevent tobacco use and quit smoking.

History

World No Tobacco Day was first proclaimed in 1988. Its purpose was to bring attention to the negative health impacts of tobacco products and to raise public awareness against tobacco use. Today, it is observed through various events organized by institutions and organizations both globally and in Türkiye.

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of World No Tobacco Day is to highlight the health risks of tobacco products, encourage tobacco users to quit, and foster a societal awareness of avoiding tobacco use. The significance of this day stems from the fact that tobacco use causes millions of deaths worldwide each year and that secondhand smoke poses serious health risks. Tobacco use leads to the premature death of approximately half of its users, while secondhand smoke is responsible for millions of deaths annually. According to World Health Organization data, more than 8 million people die each year from diseases related to tobacco use, with over 1.2 million of these deaths attributed to secondhand smoke.^【1】

Harm of Tobacco and Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in cigarette smoke and electronic cigarette vapor. It can impair brain development that continues up to age 25 and negatively affects brain regions responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control during adolescence. Nicotine addiction increases the risk of transitioning to other addictive substances in the future. Newer tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, are specifically designed to target young people. Although these products create the impression that their emissions are harmless, they produce toxic and carcinogenic substances. The EVALI cases identified in the United States in 2019 demonstrated that e-cigarette use poses serious risks to lung health.

Strategies of the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry targets young people to sustain its economic profits and acquire new users. Young people are more vulnerable than adults to marketing tactics and are influenced by films, social media, and peer pressure to use tobacco products. In the past, the industry attempted to reduce perceptions of harm through products labeled as “light,” “slim,” or menthol cigarettes. Today, it continues the same strategy using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Aggressive marketing through digital platforms and social media influencers, combined with appealing flavors and stylish product designs, increases the desirability of tobacco use among youth.

Global Situation

The World Health Organization organizes annual campaigns on 31 May to expose the tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industry. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is “Unmasking the Appeal,” aiming to reveal deceptive marketing strategies directed at young people. Globally, 22,000 people die every day and more than 8 million people die each year from diseases related to tobacco use, with 7 million of these deaths directly caused by tobacco consumption.^【2】

World No Tobacco Day Events in Türkiye

In Türkiye, World No Tobacco Day is observed through awareness-raising activities. These events particularly inform children and youth about the harms of tobacco and nicotine products and industry interference. Yeşilay, referencing the World Health Organization message, emphasizes that “Tobacco is poisoning us and our planet.” The health and environmental impacts of tobacco use, including environmental damage such as annual water consumption of 22 billion metric tons and the felling of 600 million trees due to tobacco farming, are communicated to the public. It is also emphasized that e-cigarettes are as addictive as conventional cigarettes, and various educational and awareness initiatives are conducted to protect young people from these products.

Tobacco Control and Support Programs

In Türkiye, various programs are implemented to combat tobacco addiction. The Bırakabilirsin mobile application provides individuals who wish to quit smoking with goal setting, tracking of triggers, daily recommendations, and information on economic savings. The Yeşilay Counseling Center and the 115 Helpline offer free support and intervention programs for tobacco addiction. Educational programs deliver school-based preventive and empowering education to millions of students and adults.

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts of Tobacco

Tobacco use reduces individuals’ quality of life and leads to premature death. Secondhand smoke creates fatal risks for both children and adults. Tobacco cultivation results in environmental damage, consuming 22 billion metric tons of water annually and causing the felling of 600 million trees. The tobacco industry negatively affects both human health and ecosystems.