World No Tobacco Day

Celebrated on 05/31/2026

Quick Fact

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 each year, and in 1987, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution calling for a day without tobacco use. A lesser-known fact is that the day also aims to highlight the environmental impact of tobacco, as cigarette butts are the most littered item globally.

Origins and Establishment of World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day was created by the Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987. The WHO's World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for April 7, 1988, to be a "world no-smoking day." The objective was to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the world. In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, designating May 31 as World No Tobacco Day, and it has been observed annually on that date ever since.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, World No Tobacco Day has evolved from a single day of abstinence to a global campaign that raises awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Each year, the WHO selects a specific theme to highlight a particular aspect of tobacco control, such as the health impact, industry tactics, or environmental harm. Celebrations include public awareness events, media campaigns, policy announcements, and community activities. Governments and organizations use the day to launch new tobacco control measures, such as graphic warning labels, smoke-free laws, and increased taxes on tobacco products.

Facts & General Observations

• Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, with over 7 million of those deaths resulting from direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million from non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Approximately 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
• Cigarette butts, which contain toxic chemicals like arsenic and nicotine, are the most commonly littered item, making up about 30-40% of all items collected in coastal and urban clean-ups.

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