Health Department marks World No Tobacco Day

Whitby, Ontario – World No Tobacco Day is May 31, and Durham Region Health Department is supporting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) message revealing how tobacco and nicotine industries design their products to get young people stuck in a cycle of addiction. These industries continue to target young people through flavoured products, social media and other marketing tactics that contribute to increased use and addiction. 

Started by the WHO in 1987, World No Tobacco Day is recognized annually to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to highlight efforts needed to reduce tobacco-related harms. This year’s theme focuses on countering industry manipulation and advocating for stronger public health policies including banning flavours that make tobacco and nicotine products more appealing to youth. 

In Ontario, tobacco is responsible for 16,000 deaths every year and vaping continues to be a growing trend among youth. As of 2023, the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that 13.4 per cent of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 have reported vaping in the past year.

According to the WHO, despite significant progress in global tobacco control, the tobacco and nicotine industries continue to adapt their strategies to attract and retain consumers. These efforts undermine public health and target vulnerable groups, particularly youth.

E-cigarettes are especially concerning for young people because exposure to nicotine during adolescence increases the risk of addiction. Many e-cigarettes contain added candy and fruit flavours that are designed to appeal to young people. Social media and marketing strategies by the tobacco industry are often used to attract young people to begin vaping.

“The potential health impacts of vaping remain a concern due to limited evidence on the long-term effects of vapour exposure,” said Ann-Marie Ho, a public health nurse with the Health Department. “Sugars, flavours and cooling agents all mask the harshness of nicotine so you inhale more and get addicted faster. The cycle of addiction can be broken. We encourage individuals to connect with their health care providers about various strategies that can help them quit smoking or vaping.”

For more information on quitting smoking and vaping, prevention of tobacco and vaping use, and protection from exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, visit durham.ca/TobaccoAndVaping.

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For more information please contact the Health Department.