World No Tobacco Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Smoking

On May 31, the World Health Organisation (WHO) celebrates World No Tobacco Day. Their mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and how to make the world smoke-free. Approximately 6 million individuals die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. And it is anticipated that this number will surpass 8 million by 2030. However, this is in no way a guarantee. The Sustainable Development Agenda seeks to reduce noninfectious disease-related mortality by one-third. Tobacco-related diseases are on the list, so if we achieve the goal, 2030 will be a year of celebration (yay!) not only for our health but also for the size of our purses. The average smoker spends approximately $4,000 annually on cigarettes. Imagine all the other interesting vacations you could take advantage of with that money (we have a few suggestions). Let’s use World No Tobacco Day as a springboard to a brighter, less smoke-filled future!

The background of World No Tobacco Day

The World Health Organisation sponsors the annual observance of May 31 as World No Tobacco Day. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the perils of tobacco and its negative effects on health, as well as the youth-oriented exploitation of the nicotine industry. Additionally, it seeks to reduce the diseases and deaths caused by tobacco use. The theme for World No Tobacco Day in 2021 is “Commit to Quit.”

The Member States of the World Health Organisation established World No Tobacco Day in 1987 in response to the global tobacco epidemic and the resulting diseases and fatalities. In 1987, the World Health Assembly adopted Resolution WHA40.38 designating April 7 as “World No-Smoking Day.” Then, in 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was adopted, establishing May 31 as the date for the annual observance of World No Tobacco Day.

The World Health Organisation estimates that tobacco use causes eight million fatalities annually. Tobacco is the primary cause of respiratory disorders such as COPD, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases. In 2008, the WHO prohibited all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. As the most populous nation on earth, China dominates the cigarette industry. In 2014, China produced and consumed more than 30 percent of the world’s total cigarette supply.

5 HORRIFYING FACTS ABOUT SMOKING

More than 7,000 chemicals are present in tobacco vapour.

69 of these hazardous chemicals have been linked to cancer.

Only 20% of the world’s population is protected by anti-smoking laws, the majority of whom reside in high-income nations.

The current U.S. population of 5,6 million minors is expected to perish from a smoking-related illness.

Five cigarettes contain enough nicotine to murder an average adult if consumed whole.

WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 31	Wednesday
2024	May 31	Friday
2025	May 31	Saturday
2026	May 31	Sunday
2027	May 31	Monday