Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout takes place in the United States every year on the third Thursday of November. This day highlights the dangers of smoking and encourages people to quit. Despite being widely known as a harmful habit, smoking continues to claim about 480,000 American lives each year. The holiday motivates smokers to throw away their tobacco products and start breathing freely again.

History

Despite tougher laws, campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, and increased cigarette prices, many people continue to smoke cigarettes, hookahs, and even use electronic devices that heat tobacco. Medical costs related to smoking reach $300 billion annually. The Great American Smokeout aims to inform the public about the risks of smoking and inspire people to quit. Even if just one person makes the decision to stop, the event is considered a success.

People begin smoking for a variety of reasons, such as stress, peer pressure, or to enhance their image. Quitting, however, is far more challenging. Fortunately, there are many resources and support systems to help those who want to stop. The official Great American Smokeout website offers valuable information and support for anyone ready to make the change.

Interesting facts

• Cigarettes contain not only tobacco but also glue, saltpeter, and acetone.
• Nitrosamines in cigarettes are known to cause cancer.
• Over 1 million tobacco products are purchased worldwide every 10 minutes.
• 15 billion cigarettes are smoked globally every day.
• One in five deaths is linked to smoking-related causes.
• Smokers face a higher risk of heart attack than non-smokers.

How to take part

Use this day as an opportunity to quit smoking. Challenge yourself to break the habit and talk openly about the dangers with others. Join discussions on social media, watch documentaries, and share educational materials. Seek support from professionals if needed. Every small step counts toward reducing the number of smokers and saving lives.

When is the Great American Smokeout in 2025?

The Great American Smokeout is observed on the third Thursday of November each year.

Observations