On May 31, World No Tobacco Day is celebrated, a date created by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and encourage actions aimed at prevention and quitting the habit of smoking. In 2025, the theme of the campaign is “Unmasking the Tobacco Industry.”
The campaign's proposal is to expose the tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their products more appealing, especially to young people. According to pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Jessica Polese, the message is urgent and necessary.
“The tobacco industry continues to reinvent itself to attract new consumers. Today, the main target is young people, who are seduced by electronic cigarettes that seem harmless but carry high doses of nicotine and toxic substances,” the doctor points out.
According to the doctor, this false sense of security is intentionally constructed. “There is an effort by the industry to create a ‘modern’ and ‘safe’ image of these products, when in fact they represent a serious health risk, in addition to causing chemical dependence,” she warns.
“Electronic cigarettes come with flavors that deceive consumers into thinking that the electronic device is harmless, when in fact it has become more dangerous than regular cigarettes and more addictive, enticing young people to use it,” the doctor emphasizes.
Moreover, it is important to remember the harms of traditional cigarettes: “Cigarettes cause a range of serious diseases, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and various types of cancer, such as lung cancer,” she warns.
It is possible to quit smoking with proper support. Medicine offers clinical and therapeutic resources that increase the chances of success, but the first step is always information,” she reinforces.
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