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 that targets youth.

Vaping is an emerging trend among youth. As of 2020, research indicates that 17 per cent (5.2 million) of Canadians 15 years and older had tried vaping.

Researchers note that youth are at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine in e-cigarettes, as these products often contain added flavours which may make them more appealing to young people. The allure may also be a result of social media and marketing strategies used by the tobacco industry. This year, WNTD emphasizes the importance of recognizing industry manipulation and advocating for stronger public health policies including banning flavours that make tobacco and nicotine products more attractive.

As per the World Health Organization (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.

“Tobacco and vaping are increasing in schools among students,” said Georgette Chambers, a public health nurse with Durham Region Health Department. “The health effects of smoke and vapour can be harmful and even worse when started at a young age.

“In Ontario, tobacco is responsible for 16,000 deaths each year. Modelling positive behaviour to youth reinforces the value of a smoke-free life. It is never too late for residents to consider improving their health to prevent harmful effects by quitting smoking or vaping. We encourage individuals to connect with their health care providers about various strategies that can help them quit smoking or vaping.”

WNTD was created by the WHO in 1987 and is recognized each year to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco. WNTD highlights the tobacco epidemic and emphasizes the important work still to be done in tobacco control.

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.