World No Tobacco Day

2010-05-31

All around the world, 5,4 million people dies each year from tobacco-related deceases. This makes smoking the world’s single largest cause of illness and premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes smoking as a global epidemic and has chosen May 31st as the World No Tobacco Day, to emphasize the damage caused by tobacco.

This year’s theme is Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on the tobacco industry’s marketing to women. Of the 1 billion smokers around the world, women account for about 20 percent, but the woman’s share are increasing. According to a WHO survey of youths in 151 countries, 12 percent of the boys are smokers and 7 percent of the girls.

Follow the links in the margin to read more about women and tobacco and the activities taking place both in Sweden and around the globe on the May 31st.