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May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. It’s celebrated every year to encourage a 24-hour abstinence from all forms of tobacco and raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke. Each year, more than 7 million people worldwide die from diseases caused by tobacco use, including 890,000 from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Fun facts!
On July 1, 2004, a statewide smoking ban went into effect in the state of Massachusetts. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Also, on February 9, 2009 the Boston Public Health Commission banned smoking on outside patios of bars and restaurants. Additionally, smoking is banned in all hotel rooms in the city of Boston. Many cities and states have enacted similar bans, but regulations vary greatly throughout the US and there have never been any attempts to enact a nationwide smoking ban. If you’re interested in seeing how laws differ throughout the country, Wikipedia offers a comprehensive list.

Celebrate World No Tobacco Day with a 24-hour (or more) abstinence from all forms of tobacco on May 31!