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World Smokefree Day, also known as World Smoking Cessation Day, is an international awareness day observed annually on February 9. The day aims to draw attention to the adverse health effects of tobacco use and to encourage individuals to quit tobacco products. It is observed through various activities designed to prevent tobacco-related diseases and deaths, reduce risks associated with passive exposure, and strengthen awareness of healthy living in society. In Türkiye, February 9 is officially designated as “Quit Smoking Day,” with initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the harms of tobacco use and promoting cessation.
World Smokefree Day (Anadolu Ajansı)
History
World Smoking Cessation Day is organized internationally to highlight the global health impacts of tobacco use. In Türkiye, February 9 has been officially adopted to promote healthy living and guide tobacco users toward quitting.
Purpose and Importance
The day aims to raise public awareness about the negative health effects of tobacco use and passive exposure. It encourages current tobacco users to quit, strengthens healthy lifestyle awareness among the general population, and particularly reduces the exposure of children and youth to tobacco smoke.
According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco products, with 80% living in low- and middle-income countries. Each day, approximately 22,000 people, and over 8 million annually, die from tobacco-related diseases. Of these deaths, 7 million are directly caused by tobacco use, while 1.2 million result from passive exposure.【1】
Activities and Awareness Efforts
In Türkiye, World Smoking Cessation Day is observed with informational booths in provincial and district centers, university campuses, and public buildings. Carbon monoxide measurements are conducted, and information about smoking cessation clinics is provided. Presentations are made to public institutions, professional groups, and communities, while social media and local press campaigns raise awareness. These activities aim to protect the public from the health, social, economic, and environmental harms of tobacco use and to encourage and support smokers in quitting.
Health Effects of Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas. It contributes to cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart disease and causes respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. The health risks rise with longer duration and higher frequency of smoking.
Health Benefits of Quitting
The positive health effects of quitting smoking are observed in both the short and long term. Within the first 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. Within 2–12 weeks, circulation improves, lung capacity increases, coughing and shortness of breath decrease, and the immune system strengthens. After one year, the risk of coronary heart disease drops to half that of a smoker; after five years, the risk of stroke and heart attack continues to decrease. After ten years, the risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker, and after fifteen years, the risk of coronary heart disease aligns with that of a nonsmoker.
Quitting at an early age accelerates the body’s repair process and helps prevent smoking-related diseases, providing comprehensive health benefits for the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems, as well as reducing cancer risk.
Smoking Cessation Services and Inspections
Türkiye provides comprehensive smoking cessation services. ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Counseling Line offers 24/7 live support, including dependency testing and personalized cessation plans with motivational counseling. In 2024, 308,222 people used this service. Under Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Tobacco Products, 24/7 inspections are conducted through the Smoke-Free Air Inspection System. Reports are received via the ALO 184 SABİM Tobacco Complaint Line and the Yeşil Dedektör Mobile Application. In 2024, a total of 3,844,914 inspections were conducted, with 21,698 violations recorded.【2】
Warning: The content in this entry is provided for general encyclopedic purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing, treating, or providing medical guidance. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The author and KÜRE Encyclopedia accept no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
