World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day: Unmasking the Appeal

By Robert Guenther • 13 May 2025 • 2 min read

In 1987, the World Health Organization (WHO) passed Resolution WHA40.38, which called for a “world no-smoking day,” urging tobacco users worldwide to abstain from using tobacco for 24 hours. The goal was to draw attention to the global tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. World No Tobacco Day is observed globally on May 31st every year. The WHO selects an annual theme; for 2025, it is “Unmasking the appeal.”

Tobacco is a unique, legal product. It kills half of its regular users when used exactly as intended by the manufacturer. Today, there are approximately 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. Globally, tobacco causes over 7 million deaths resulting from direct use, and another 1.3 million deaths are related to 2nd hand smoke exposure. Additionally, regular tobacco use has several adverse health effects. This includes contributing to diseases that affect the heart, liver, and lungs, as well as being a leading cause of several cancers due to tobacco smoke containing over 70 carcinogens.

Tobacco companies spend over $8 billion yearly on advertising their products, which include cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, pouches, chew and snuff, e-cigarettes, and vaping products. The goal is to market their products increasingly to younger people to replace the customer base that leaves because of quitting or dying.

If you or a loved one uses tobacco and wants to quit, there are many resources available. Your doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professionals can guide you through your quit journey and help you along the way. Hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations also offer many other resources.

One of the best resources you have is your health insurance provider. They have a vested interest in educating members and helping them be as healthy as possible. They offer programs designed to help members quit their use of tobacco and nicotine products through cessation programs, personal coaching, and support systems. These programs can help you break the habit that can ruin your health, contribute to disease, and cause death.

Learn more about World No Tobacco Day and where to find support with your journey to quit.

World No Tobacco Day
The National Cancer Institute Quitline: Access online or call 877-448-7848
The American Cancer Society Quitline: Access online or call 800-227-2345
The American Lung Association
State programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are available via phone at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Access the California site HERE.

Carrier Resources: