Resources – Smoke-Free Environments
In the last decade, there has been a considerable effort to ban smoking indoors such as in restaurants, community centres, and other public spaces. Most New Brunswickers know that the reason we have banned smoking in public indoor spaces is that second-hand smoke isn’t good for them. In more recent years, we have also learned that breathing second-hand smoke in outdoor spaces is equally unhealthy.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Contrary to popular belief, the wind doesn’t simply blow smoke away. Research shows outdoor second-hand smoke can be as harmful as indoor second-hand smoke. (Source: Making My Outdoor Event Smoke-Free – NBATC)
In July 2015, the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act expanded the areas in which smoking is not permitted to include many public outdoor settings. The Smoke-Free Places Act also prohibits vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, water pipes, and all other vaping devices) in these same areas. Its definition of “smoke” was broadened in November 2016 to any substance that is intended to be inhaled or exhaled (tobacco, cannabis, e-juices for vaping devices, and all other substances).
Smoke-free outdoor environments in our communities support wellness by:
- Protecting children and adults from second-hand smoke;
- Assisting those who have quit or are trying to quit;
- Discouraging tobacco and vaping product use initiation by decreasing negative role modelling for children; and
- Protecting children, wildlife, and the environment from toxic litter.
(Source: Outdoor Spaces – Smoke Free for All – NBATC)
We all win when we can live, work, and play in 100% smoke-free environments! Below you will find many resources to help you better understand the dangers of second and third-hand smoke, legislation and required signage in the province concerning smoke-free public spaces, as well as create your own smoke-free policy for an outdoor space or event not already covered by the Smoke-Free Places Act.
Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Brochure – Second-Hand Smoke – New Brunswick Lung Association
Two-thirds of the smoke produced by tobacco spreads into the ambient air. Anyone within close range of an active smoker cannot help but breathe in this tobacco smoke, and therefore becomes a passive smoker. This brochure educates about the dangers of second-hand smoke in the home.
Issues: Second-Hand Smoke – The Tobacco Atlas – 2019
Secondhand smoke kills nearly 900,000 people every year, yet one-quarter of people globally remain exposed. Some groups, such as non-smoking women and those in lower socioeconomic strata, are often at higher risk of exposure and related burden.
Multi-Unit Dwellings and Second-Hand Smoke – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016 GalleryMulti-Unit Dwellings and Second-Hand Smoke – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Social Media, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Multi-Unit Dwellings and Second-Hand Smoke – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
Infographic showcasing facts about second-hand smoke in multi-unit dwellings.
Outdoor Spaces: Smoke-Free for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2015 GalleryOutdoor Spaces: Smoke-Free for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2015
Environments - Outdoors - Resources – Making Outdoor Environments Smoke-Free, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Outdoor Spaces: Smoke-Free for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2015
A fact sheet developed to outline the benefits of smoke-free outdoor spaces.
Second-Hand Smoke Affects Them Too. Your Beloved Pet is Another Reason to Live Tobacco-Free! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2017 GallerySecond-Hand Smoke Affects Them Too. Your Beloved Pet is Another Reason to Live Tobacco-Free! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2017
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Social Media, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Second-Hand Smoke Affects Them Too. Your Beloved Pet is Another Reason to Live Tobacco-Free! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2017
Explores the dangers of tobacco and vaping products in the home with regards to the safety and well-being of domestic animals.
Second-Hand Smoke and Children – Reasons to Act – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016 GallerySecond-Hand Smoke and Children – Reasons to Act – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Social Media, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Second-Hand Smoke and Children – Reasons to Act – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
Infographic explaining how second-hand smoke negatively impacts children.
Second-hand smoke gets into your eyes (and lungs): Second-hand smoke – Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – 2017
Facts about the negative effects of second-hand smoke exposure among domestic animas.
Smoke Is Smoke! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019 GallerySmoke Is Smoke! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Social Media, Environments - Outdoors - Resources – Making Outdoor Environments Smoke-Free, Hot Topic - Cannabis - Education, Hot Topic - Vaping - Public Education Resources, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke
Smoke Is Smoke! – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
Sheds light on the dangers of second-hand smoke from tobacco as well as cannabis. This fact sheet also addresses vaping and reminds people to respect smoke-free environments in New Brunswick, which prohibit smoking and vaping. We all win when we can live, work and play in 100% smoke-free environments!
Smoke-Free Housing Month – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
Infographic. June is smoke-free housing month! Some facts about the dangers of second smoke and the benefits of smoke-free homes.
Third-Hand Smoke – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
Infographic. Third-hand smoke refers to the toxic chemicals in smoke that remain trapped in such things as hair, skin, carpet, furniture and toys long after a cigarette has been extinguished.
University of New Brunswick campuses going smoke-free in Fall 2022 GalleryUniversity of New Brunswick campuses going smoke-free in Fall 2022
Environments - Colleges and Universities - Resources for Making Campuses Smoke-Free, News, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Dangers of Exposure to Second and Third Hand Smoke, Success Stories to feature on Smoke-Free Campuses page
University of New Brunswick campuses going smoke-free in Fall 2022
The largest university in New Brunswick has announced that its campuses will go smoke-free starting in the fall of 2022.
Legislation
New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act
To protect everyone from the dangers of second and third-hand smoke, help smokers who are trying to quit as well as lower tobacco and vaping product use initiation rates, the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act prohibits smoking and vaping tobacco, cannabis and all other substances in a variety of indoor and outdoor public environments.
Indoor environments:
- in enclosed public places;
- in indoor work spaces;
- in a group living facility;
- in a public vehicle;
- in a vehicle while another person in the vehicle is under the age of 16;
- in a vehicle used in the course of employment while carrying two or more employees.
Outdoor environments:
- on the grounds of a school;
- on patios and all similar outdoor public facilities where food and/or alcohol is served and within three metres of the patio’s boundary;
- within nine metres of doorways, windows and air intakes of enclosed public places and indoor workplaces;
- on or within 20 metres of children’s equipment and sports areas located in an outdoor public place;
- on or within nine metres of a public walking or jogging trail in an outdoor public place;
- within the boundaries of provincial parks except within the boundaries of rented campsites, golf courses and designated areas within the park;
- all regional health authority grounds.
Definition of “smoke” in the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act
According to the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act, “smoke” means “(a) to smoke, hold or otherwise have control over an ignited tobacco product or another ignited substance that is intended to be smoked, or (b) to inhale or exhale vapour from, or to hold or otherwise have control over, (i) an activated electronic cigarette, (ii) an activated water pipe, or (iii) another activated device containing a substance that is intended to be inhaled or exhaled.”
New Brunswick’s Cannabis Control Act
Under the New Brunswick Cannabis Control Act, consuming retail cannabis in any type of public place is prohibited. It is also illegal to consume cannabis in a vehicle and to drive under the influence of cannabis. (Medical cannabis; however, can be smoked or vaped in public where smoking and vaping are not already prohibited by the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act.)
Learn more:
- Smoke-Free Places Act – Government of New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Regulation – Under the Smoke-Free Places Act
- Tobacco-Free Living – Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Public Health) – Government of New Brunswick
- Cannabis Control Act – New Brunswick
- Cannabis in New Brunswick – Take the Legal Route
Reporting Smoking and Vaping Violations
The best approach when you see someone smoking or vaping tobacco, cannabis or any other substance in a designated smoke-free area is to politely remind this person to please respect the smoke-free nature of this public space. You can also notify the building owner or appropriate authorities that violations to the Smoke-Free Places Act are happening and that it is their responsibility to enforce the smoke-free nature of their public space.
Repeat offences should be promptly reported to the Smoke-Free Places Act Information line. New Brunswick peace officers and inspectors are able to issue tickets to individuals who smoke or vape tobacco, cannabis or any other substance, in public places where smoking and vaping are banned, as well as building owners who do not enforce the regulations of the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act (appropriate signage, etc.). The Smoke-Free Places Act Information Line toll-free number is 1-866-234-4234.
For questions and complaints involving cannabis use in public places not already designated as smoke-free, as well as the illegal sale or possession of cannabis, it is recommended to contact your local police department.
Smoke-Free Environment Signs
Requirements regarding signage in New Brunswick for designated smoke-free environments are detailed in this document:
New Brunswick Regulations – Under the Smoke-Free Places Act.
It stipulates:
- A sign prohibiting smoking shall be posted at each entrance to an enclosed public place or indoor workplace and be clearly visible to persons entering.
- A sign prohibiting smoking shall be posted in each public vehicle and be clearly visible to members of the public.
- A sign prohibiting smoking shall be posted in each outdoor public place and be clearly visible to members of the public.
- A sign prohibiting smoking shall
- be in the form of the international graphic symbol depicted in Schedule A to the Regulation,
- include a red circle bisected by a red interdictory stroke,
- be printed on a white background, and
- be at least 65 mm in diameter
- A sign prohibiting smoking may contain text consistent with the purpose of the sign.
For more information on signage – consult this webpage:
Tobacco-Free Living – Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Public Health) – Government of New Brunswick
Below you will find a list of downloadable signs that follow these rules. Building owners can also make their own signs, so long as they follow the signage regulations detailed above. If you do not see a sign applicable to your smoke-free environment space and are undertain on how to make your own sign, we encourage you to contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Public Health) – Government of New Brunswick with your request.
Official No Smoking/No Vaping Signs – Smoke-Free Places Act – Outdoor Environments – Produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Public Health
Smoke-Fee Environment Signs for 100% Smoke-Free Outdoor Environments – Produced by the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC)
You can use these signs as additional signage for outdoor spaces that are smoke-free beyond the Smoke-Free Places Act requirements.
Smoke-Fee Outdoor Event Signs – Produced by the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC)
You can use these signs for outdoor events that are 100% smoke-free.
Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Community leaders, health care professionals and policy makers will want to consult these resources for:
- statistics on smoking rates and exposure to second-hand smoke;
- public health information on smoking and vaping; and
- aligning their efforts with those already underway nationally and provincially.
A complete list of online learning opportunities is also available on our Online Learning Opportunities page.
There are also many helpful resources under our Prevention and Quit Smoking menus in our Explore Resources Library.
Achieving Tobacco-Free Living: A Priority in New Brunswick – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017 GalleryAchieving Tobacco-Free Living: A Priority in New Brunswick – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Achieving Tobacco-Free Living: A Priority in New Brunswick – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
This infographic presents key statistics related to tobacco use in New Brunswick, including regional data.
Canada’s Tobacco Strategy – Health Canada – 2018
Each year, 45,000 Canadians die from a tobacco-related disease. Canada’s Tobacco Strategy will help us reach the goal of less than 5% tobacco use by 2035.
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019) GalleryCanadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019)
Survey of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 conducted by the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo for Health Canada. Note: New Brunswick did not participate in the 2016 – 2017 and 2018-2018 CSTADS. The 2018-19 CSTADS was integrated into the administration of the New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey for Grades 6 – 12.
- Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey 2019 – Statistics Canada – 2020d Gallery
Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey 2019 – Statistics Canada – 2020d
Hot Topic - Vaping - Reports and Statistics, News, Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey 2019 – Statistics Canada – 2020d
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour produced by a device such as an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), vape mod, vaporizer or vape pen.
While some use these devices to curtail or to quit smoking, vaping can also have negative effects, particularly among youth. According to Health Canada, the majority of vaping products contain nicotine, and vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Vaping may also increase the risk of exposure to other harmful chemicals.
For the first time, Statistics Canada has collected detailed information about vaping. The new Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey aims to shed light on the types of products Canadians are using, how often they are vaping and their reasons for doing so.
- Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017) Gallery
Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) – Statistics Canada (2017)
General population survey of tobacco, alcohol and drug use among Canadians aged 15 years and older conducted by Statistics Canada on behalf of Health Canada. This national survey provides valuable information to inform approaches to addressing complex health and social issues such as the problematic use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, including opioids and cannabis.
TAKE NOTE!
As of 2019, information on tobacco and vaping product use in the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) has been discontinued and replaced by the Canadian Tobacco & Nicotine and Drugs Survey.
Commercial Tobacco Policy Pack: Local and provincial/territorial governments – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019 GalleryCommercial Tobacco Policy Pack: Local and provincial/territorial governments – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019
Quit - Adults - Learning Resources for Health Professionals - Canada and International, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Commercial Tobacco Policy Pack: Local and provincial/territorial governments – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – 2019
Use this policy pack to gather evidence for policy interventions about the use of commercial tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
- Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018 Gallery
Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Health Characteristics, Annual Estimates (2018): Smoking – Statistics Canada – 2018
Statistics updated yearly. National and provincial data estimates for:
- Current smoker, daily or occasional
- Current smoker, daily
Broken down by age group and sex.
My Community at a Glance – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017 GalleryMy Community at a Glance – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
My Community at a Glance – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
The goal of these community profiles, published by the New Brunswick Health Council, is to empower individuals with information about their community to stimulate interest in building healthier communities. The information in each profile (including tobacco use) gives a comprehensive view about the people who live, learn, work, and take part in community life. 33 New Brunswick Community Profile Reports were released in 2017.
NB Elementary Student Wellness Survey (K-5) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2016-2017) GalleryNB Elementary Student Wellness Survey (K-5) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2016-2017)
Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
NB Elementary Student Wellness Survey (K-5) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2016-2017)
Survey of wellness (including exposure to smoke) among students in grades 4 and 5 and parents of students in kindergarten to grade 5 across schools in New Brunswick conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council as part of a provincial initiative of the Wellness Branch of the Department of Social Development in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
- NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019) Gallery
NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019)
Hot Topic - Cannabis - Reports and Stats, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019)
Survey on wellness (including tobacco use and vaping) among students in grades 6 to 12 across schools in New Brunswick conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council as part of a provincial initiative of the Wellness Branch of the Department of Social Development in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
- New Brunswick Population Health Data – New Brunswick Health Council Gallery
New Brunswick Population Health Data – New Brunswick Health Council
Prevention - Adults - Reports and Statistics, Prevention - Children - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Indigenous - Stats, Prevention - Seniors - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Prevention - Youth - Reports and Statistics – Tobacco and Vaping Products Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
New Brunswick Population Health Data – New Brunswick Health Council
The New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC) was created by legislation in 2008 to report publicly on the performance of the provincial health system and to engage citizens in the improvement of health services quality. All the latest population health data for the province is available on its website.
New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – A Tobacco and Smoke-Free Province for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019 GalleryNew Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – A Tobacco and Smoke-Free Province for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Strategy, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – A Tobacco and Smoke-Free Province for All – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy 2019-2023 was prepared by the New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) with stakeholders and key partners engaged in the process. This Strategy belongs to everyone in New Brunswick who values the health, wellness, social and economic benefits of tobacco-free living and smoke-free environments
New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – Infographic – Goals and Objectives – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019 GalleryNew Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – Infographic – Goals and Objectives – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
About Us - Toolkits Pubs Social Media - Strategy, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) – Infographic – Goals and Objectives – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2019
A handy visual aid presenting all the goals and objectives in New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy (2019-2023) which stakeholders, partners, community groups and individuals can download, print and share.
Protect the environment, World No Tobacco Day 2022 will give you one more reason to quit GalleryProtect the environment, World No Tobacco Day 2022 will give you one more reason to quit
Environmental pollution, Environments - Outdoors - Resources – Making Outdoor Environments Smoke-Free, News, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Protect the environment, World No Tobacco Day 2022 will give you one more reason to quit
WHO today announces the 2022 global campaign for World No Tobacco Day – “Tobacco: Threat to our environment.” The campaign is aimed to raise awareness among the public on the environmental impact of tobacco – from cultivation, production, distribution and waste. It will give tobacco users one extra reason to quit.
The campaign will also aim to expose tobacco industry’s effort to “greenwash” its reputation and products by marketing themselves as environmentally friendly.
With an annual greenhouse gas contribution of 84 megatons carbon dioxide equivalent, the tobacco industry contributes to climate change and reduces climate resilience, wasting resources and damaging ecosystems.
Around 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed for tobacco growing each year. Growing tobacco contributes to deforestation, especially in the developing world. of Deforestation for tobacco plantations promotes soil degradation and “failing yields” or the capacity for the land to support the growth of any other crops or vegetation.
“The environmental impacts of tobacco using adds unnecessary pressure to our planet’s already scarce resources and fragile ecosystems. This is especially dangerous for developing countries, as that’s where most of the tobacco production happens.” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion, “Every cigarette you smoke, you are literally burning resources where they are already scarce, burning resources where our very existence depends upon.”
The environmental burden falls on countries least able to cope with it, the profits are made by transnational tobacco companies that are based in higher-income countries.
With about 90% of all tobacco production concentrated in the developing world, tobacco has an immensely uneven impact on different socioeconomic groups. In low- and middle-income countries, many farmers and government officials see tobacco as a cash crop that can generate economic growth, however, the short-term cash benefits of the crop are offset by the long-term consequences of increased food insecurity, frequent sustained farmers’ debt, illness and poverty among farm workers, and widespread environmental damage in low- and middle-income countries.
The tobacco industry has also invested heavily to “greenwash” their environmentally damaging practices by reporting environmental impact and funding environmental corporate social responsibility projects and organizations. Their smoke screen is only able to work due to lack of objective data as well as limited and inconsistent legislation at international and local levels.
Reducing tobacco consumption needs to be identified as a key lever for achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals, not just those directly related to health.
The campaign calls on governments and policy makers to step up legislation, including implementing and strengthening existing schemes to make producers responsible for the environmental and economic costs of tobacco product waste.
Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco – Health Canada GallerySmoking, Vaping and Tobacco – Health Canada
Prevention - Adult - Dangers of Tobacco & Vaping Products, Prevention - Children - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education – For Educators and Parents, Prevention - Food Insecurity - Food Insecurity and Tobacco Use, Prevention - Indigenous - Resources for Educators, Parents and Community Leaders, Prevention - Mental Health - Mental Health, Addictions and Tobacco Use, Prevention - Seniors - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Education and Prevention – For Seniors, Prevention - Youth - Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Education and Prevention -Resources For Educators and Parents, Prevention - Youth - Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Education and Prevention – Resources For Youth and Young Adults, Quit - Adults - Resources for Individuals - Canada and International, Quit Smoking - Food Insecurity - Tools and support for individuals, Quit Smoking - Indigenous - Resources for Health Care Professionals and Community Leaders, Quit Smoking - Indigenous - Tools, Tips and Support for Individuals, Quit Smoking - Mental Health - Resources -Quitting Smoking – Related to Mental Health and Addiction Issues, Quit Smoking - Pregnancy - Help to Quit Smoking for Expectant Mothers, Quit Smoking - Seniors - Resources for Health Care Professionals and Community Leaders, Quit Smoking - Seniors - Tools, Tips and Support for Individuals, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco – Health Canada
Learn about vaping, tobacco products, effects of smoking, second-hand smoke, prevention and quitting.
The Wellness Movement GalleryThe Wellness Movement
Environments - Events - Resources – Making Events Smoke-Free, Environments - Homes - Resources and Tips – Making Your Home and Car Smoke-Free, Environments - Outdoors - Resources – Making Outdoor Environments Smoke-Free, Environments - Schools - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education in Schools, Environments - Sports - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education via Sports, Prevention - Adult - General Health & Wellness, Prevention - Children - Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Prevention and Education – For Educators and Parents, Prevention - Food Insecurity - Food Insecurity and Tobacco Use, Prevention - Indigenous - Resources for Educators, Parents and Community Leaders, Prevention - Mental Health - Mental Health, Addictions and Tobacco Use, Prevention - Pregnancy - Education to prevent smoking during pregnancy, Prevention - Youth - Youth and Young Adult Tobacco and Vaping Product Use Education and Prevention -Resources For Educators and Parents, Quit Smoking - Food Insecurity - Tools and support for individuals, Quit Smoking - Indigenous - Tools, Tips and Support for Individuals, Quit Smoking - Mental Health - Resources -Quitting Smoking – Related to Mental Health and Addiction Issues, Quit Smoking - Pregnancy - Help to Quit Smoking for Expectant Mothers, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments
The Wellness Movement
The Wellness Movement is a collective, ongoing effort in New Brunswick to inspire and support the creation of wellness-supporting environments, including tobacco-free and smoke-free homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Visit their website to join the Movement, find resources about a range of wellness topics, consult an events calendar of activities across the province and get inspired by New Brunswick success stories.
Tobacco and Health: From Cells to Society – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
This graduate-level course is offered via webinar to students across Canada through the Graduate Department of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of tobacco and tobacco-related issues from a public health perspective.
Tobacco and Public Health: From Theory to Practice – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit GalleryTobacco and Public Health: From Theory to Practice – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
Prevention - Indigenous - Resources for Health Care Professionals, Quit - Adults - Learning Resources for Health Professionals - Canada and International, Quit Smoking - Indigenous - Resources for Health Care Professionals and Community Leaders, Quit Smoking - Youth - Professional Development for Health Care Professionals, Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments, Work Together – Learning Opps - Online Courses
Tobacco and Public Health: From Theory to Practice – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
Comprehensive and evidence-based online course on tobacco control for public health professionals and others working in tobacco control that provides the opportunity for self-study in major areas of tobacco control: cessation, protection, prevention, and evaluation.
Webinar: “Breathing Easy: Smoke-Free Outdoor Public Spaces and Events in New Brunswick” – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016 GalleryWebinar: “Breathing Easy: Smoke-Free Outdoor Public Spaces and Events in New Brunswick” – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
Smoke-Free Environments Resources Page - Learning Opportunities – Smoke-Free Environments, Work Together - Learning Opps - NBATC Webinars and Podcasts
Webinar: “Breathing Easy: Smoke-Free Outdoor Public Spaces and Events in New Brunswick” – New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition – 2016
With Nina van der Pluijm, Senior Program and Policy Advisor, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, New Brunswick Department of Health. This webinar explainѕ the recent addition of many outdoor public spaces to the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Places Act, as well as tools and reѕourceѕ communities can use to promote outdoor ѕmoke-free ѕpaceѕ and eventѕ.