Health Department celebrates World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Whitby, Ontario - World No Tobacco Day is on May 31, and Durham Region Health Department is reminding everyone that it’s never too late to quit smoking—a habit that not only negatively impacts your personal health, but also has a global environmental impact.

The World Health Organization indicates that approximately 3.5 million hectares of land are converted for tobacco growing globally each year. This interferes with attempts to substitute tobacco growing with sustainable crops, contributing to the global food crisis.

“The harmful impact of smoking on the environment and global health is vast and growing,” said Ahiraa Supeinthiran, a public health nurse with the Durham Region Health Department. “We support the World Health Organization’s call to grow sustainable food crops instead of tobacco. And we encourage individuals to connect with their healthcare provider about strategies that can help them quit smoking or vaping—to help improve their personal health while aiding to prevent harmful effects globally.”

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in Ontario with 16,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. As of 2020, research indicates that 10 per cent of Canadian adults were cigarette smokers, which represents more than three million people.

E-cigarettes are also concerning, as youth are at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine in e-cigarettes. These products often contain added flavours that may appeal to youth and attract them to start using tobacco and vapour products. Vape waste can have other negative impacts including chemicals that pollute soil, water, and wildlife.

If you want to quit smoking or vaping, Durham Region Health Department has supports available. For more information, visit durham.ca/TobaccoAndVaping.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.