World No Tobacco Day: Unmasking the Appeal of Tobacco and Nicotine Products
On May 31, public health agencies celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), drawing attention to the commercial tobacco industry’s use of deceptive practices to market their products, especially to young people and non-smokers. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” shines a light on how the industry conceals information about the dangerous, addictive nature of their products.
For decades, the commercial tobacco industry has focused its efforts on making its products appealing to youth. They use sweet flavors, sleek product and packaging designs, and clever marketing to draw in the next generation of individuals addicted to nicotine. From fruity e-liquids to colourful cigarette packaging, these tricks make these products seem harmless —or even trendy—when instead they come with serious health risks. Social media plays a big role in their marketing strategy. From influencers to celebrity endorsements, tobacco companies know how to reach young audiences. The result? Youth are more likely to try these products. And for young, developing brains, a single puff is enough to create addiction pathways.
The Not An Experiment website takes a closer look at how the tobacco industry adapted its marketing strategies to lure youth. E-cigarettes (or vapes) don’t burn tobacco, which creates the illusion that they are “safer.” With a range of flavours and a modern tech design, vapes are part of a bigger strategy to introduce youth to nicotine addiction. Behind the flashy packaging and tasty flavours, vapes contain nicotine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Vaping is highly addictive and has both short- and long-term health effects. The Not An Experiment website is a great resource for learning about the industry’s marketing tactics, understanding the risks associated with vaping, accessing resources for quitting, and discovering ways to start the conversation with youth.
By promoting nicotine addiction, the tobacco industry affects the health of entire generations. World No Tobacco Day is an opportunity for all of us to learn about these tactics and call for stronger product regulations. As caregivers and parents, we play a crucial role in protecting our kids from these dangerous products. Together, we can expose the tobacco industry’s tricks and work toward a future where these harmful products no longer hold power over our youth.
For more information, visit www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day and www.NotAnExperiment.ca.
Submitted by Janet Shaule, RN, BScN and Tanya Verhaeghe, MPH for the Middlesex-London Heath Unit
