Health Department celebrates World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Whitby, Ontario – May 31 is World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) and Durham Region Health Department will mark this event by reminding everyone that it’s never too late to quit smoking and bringing awareness of the harms of tobacco marketing to youth.

WNTD was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987 and is recognized each year on May 31 to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco. This annual event highlights the tobacco epidemic and emphasizes the important work still to be done in tobacco control. This year, WNTD also gives a platform to young people worldwide who are calling for the tobacco industry to stop targeting youth with products that are harmful to health.

In Ontario, tobacco is responsible for 16,000 deaths each year, and e-cigarettes continue to be a health concern among youth. As of 2023, approximately 13 per cent of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported vaping in the past year, with 87 per cent of those reporting vaping nicotine. Vaping products also contain added flavours as a method to attract youth to begin vaping.

According to the WHO, young people globally are calling on governments to adopt policies to protect youth from the manipulative practices of tobacco and related industries, including the marketing of these products through social media and streaming platforms.

“Tobacco and vaping are becoming the norm in schools among students,” said Georgette Chambers, a public health nurse with the Health Department. “Research shows that smoke and vapour are harmful and are even worse when started at a young age. Role modelling positive behaviour to youth helps to reinforce the value of a smoke-free life.

“It’s never too late for residents to consider quitting smoking or vaping to help improve their health and prevent harmful effects. We encourage individuals to connect with their healthcare providers about various strategies that can help with quitting smoking or vaping.”

The Health Department offers resources to help support individuals who want to quit smoking and vaping. For more information on quitting smoking and vaping, tobacco and vaping use prevention, and protection from exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, visit durham.ca/TobaccoAndVaping. Information is also available on this website about the Durham Region Smoking and Vaping By-law and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.