World No Tobacco Day: A Call to Quit Before It’s Too Late
We are well aware that tobacco is one of the toughest addictions to overcome. Each year, 31st May, observed as World No Tobacco Day, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of life and the urgent need to free ourselves from this deadly habit.
Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of death, disease, and poverty worldwide. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, both of which have devastating impacts on public health. The use of tobacco—whether smoked or chewed—is a global issue, cutting across cultures, countries, and communities.
Chewing tobacco, for instance, drastically damages the lungs, turning them into sponges soaked with at least 30 known carcinogens—chemicals that cause cancer. Despite countless medical warnings, people continue to use tobacco, either due to addiction or social influence. Many young people take up smoking to appear “liberated” or fashionable, unaware of the long-term consequences.
India, home to the world’s largest film industry—producing over 900 films annually with a viewership of over 250 million—sees celebrities wielding immense influence. Film stars often become the face of public issues and receive significant media coverage. Their stance on smoking can shape public opinion. Yet, despite warnings and regulations, smoking remains glamorized in some circles, weakening efforts to reduce its appeal.
Tobacco use leads to a range of life-threatening conditions including heart disease, stroke, cancer, bronchitis, asthma, birth defects, and growth retardation in infants. In fact, tobacco smoke contains around 4,000 chemicals, with hundreds being toxic—like formaldehyde, ammonia, and cadmium. Smoking increases the risk of tuberculosis and contributes significantly to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Globally, tobacco causes nearly six million deaths each year, including over 600,000 non-smokers who die due to exposure to secondhand smoke. Still, many smokers ignore the warning labels printed clearly on cigarette packets: “Smoking is injurious to health.”
Psychological studies show people smoke due to habit, peer influence, stress relief, or the misguided belief that it boosts focus. These reasons, however, don’t justify the damage it causes—not just to the smoker but to those around them.
Smoking in public places is not just a personal choice—it’s a violation of others’ right to breathe clean air. While some argue that banning smoking infringes on individual rights, the truth is no one has the right to endanger their own life or the lives of others.
Comprehensive tobacco control policies are essential. Banning tobacco advertisements, increasing taxes, setting up cessation clinics, prohibiting smoking in public spaces, and placing graphic health warnings are all necessary steps. Awareness must go beyond World No Tobacco Day—it needs to continue year-round.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates for effective global policies to reduce its consumption. Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco is not a harmless habit—it’s a deadly addiction. Quitting is not just a personal victory; it is a step toward a healthier society.
Let us mark this World No Tobacco Day by spreading awareness, supporting those who want to quit, and protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco.
( Written by Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit)
Nice article.