Rise in e-cigarettes and vapes prompts health reminder on World No Tobacco Day

Youth report the appealing flavors as a primary reason for trying and continuing to use vaping products

In recognition of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Southwestern Public Health is encouraging individuals to look beyond the marketing and packaging of tobacco and nicotine products and consider the powerful benefits of living smoke and vapour-free.

This year’s theme from the World Health Organization, Unmasking the Appeal, focuses on how tobacco and vaping industries make harmful products seem attractive or even harmless, which is especially important for youth. The health unit published a Health Status Report in 2024 that found 32 per cent of youth reported vape use in the region compared to 22.7 per cent across Ontario, with the age of smoking initiation in the Southwestern Public Health region at age 16 – one year lower than the average age of initiation in Ontario.

“Behind every appealing package is a product that causes harm to all, but especially for youth who are curious about appealing flavours as a reason to try vaping products,” says Kelly Vanderhoeven, Public Health Nurse on the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention team at Southwestern Public Health.

Despite these tactics, tobacco and nicotine use remain a major threat to individual and community health. Understanding local trends in tobacco use supports the development of tailored health promotion strategies and local programs geared toward reducing tobacco use.

Benefits of quitting smoking are well-documented. Within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and heart rate return to normal rates, and within 24 hours, the risk of heart attack lessens. “Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health,” says Vanderhoeven, “No matter your age or how long you’ve been using tobacco, it’s never too late to quit.”

For support to quit smoking, call the smoking cessation line at 1-800-922-0096 or visit swpublichealth.ca/quitsmoking.