WNTD is observed each year on May 31.
The use of tobacco leads to over 8 million deaths around the globe annually, according to the WHO. About 7 million of those fatalities are due to direct tobacco use while about 1.2 million of them are of non-smokers that are exposed to second-hand smoke.
Research shows smoking tobacco cuts down lung capacity while increasing the severity of respiratory conditions. Also, studies show that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe forms of Covid-19—a disease which primarily attacks the lungs.
WNTD is held with a different theme every year. Many events and activities are organised to educate people about the bad effects of tobacco on health.
In 2021, the WHO kicked off a year-long campaign for WNTD titled ‘Commit to Quit’. Through many initiatives, the goal of the campaign was to support about a 100 million people worldwide in their attempts to stop tobacco use. In 2022, the WHO is observing WNTD by bringing attention to the various ways in which tobacco threatens the environment.
According to the WHO, the 2022 campaign looks to drum up awareness about the environmental impact of the entire tobacco cycle—from its cultivation, production and distribution to the toxic waste that is generated.
The tobacco cycle poisons water, soil, beaches and city streets with chemicals, toxic waste, cigarette butts, including microplastics, and e-cigarette waste, the WHO said.
The campaign aims to call out the tobacco industry’s efforts to market its products as environment friendly. The campaign also looks to urge governments to bolster legislation to hold producers accountable for the costs of dealing with tobacco waste.
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