World No Tobacco Day

What Is World No Tobacco Day?

May 31st is "World No Tobacco Day," an international day established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1989 to raise awareness of the health risks of tobacco worldwide. It's a day for society to consider the dangers of smoking, the problem of secondhand smoke, and the importance of supporting people who want to quit.

Background

Tobacco is one of the world's leading health risks, and the WHO leads international efforts to reduce illness and death caused by smoking. World No Tobacco Day is the centerpiece of these awareness campaigns, with a different theme set each year and events held around the world.

• May 31 since 1989: The WHO created the observance in 1987, and in 1988 decided it would be held every year on May 31 starting in 1989.
• A new theme each year: Topics shift annually—covering the tobacco industry's influence, preventing youth smoking, health effects, and more.
• International awareness campaigns: Governments, healthcare institutions, and educational organizations worldwide take part in spreading awareness about quitting smoking.

The Health Effects of Smoking

Smoking has been scientifically shown to increase the risk of many diseases. Secondhand smoke also causes serious health harm, requiring action from society as a whole.

• Increased cancer risk: Linked to lung cancer as well as cancers of the larynx, esophagus, and more.
• Cardiovascular disease: Increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A respiratory disease primarily caused by smoking.
• The effects of secondhand smoke: Even non-smokers can suffer health damage from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Interesting Facts About World No Tobacco Day

• Japan's Anti-Smoking Week: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has designated the week from May 31 to June 6 as "No Smoking Week" since 1992, running awareness campaigns.
• The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC): Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2003 and in force since 2005, it was the first international treaty negotiated under the WHO. Japan joined in 2004.
• Japan's revised Health Promotion Act: Fully in force since April 2020, it made most facilities used by many people smoke-free indoors in principle.
• Focusing on young people: Most smokers are said to start in their teens or early twenties, so prevention for young people is a key priority.
• E-cigarettes under discussion too: Countries continue researching and regulating the health effects and addictiveness of e-cigarettes.

Ways to Spend World No Tobacco Day

• Learn about the health risks of smoking and the latest research.
• If you've been thinking about quitting, let this day be your starting point.
• Talk with family or coworkers about secondhand smoke prevention.
• Attend a local smoking cessation event or seminar.

A Smoke-Free Future Is the First Step Toward a Healthier, Richer Society

World No Tobacco Day on May 31st is a day to think about what we can do to protect our health. Smoking isn't just a personal issue—it affects the health of society as a whole. Let today be a chance to deepen your understanding of tobacco and take a step toward creating a healthier environment for everyone.