According to the World Health Organization, tobacco is the second major cause of death on earth. That’s why health officials recognized Tuesday as “World No Tobacco Day.” Events took place as close to home as Fort Myers and as far away as Cape Town, South Africa.
By 2020, tobacco-related products are projected to result in the deaths of 10 million people a year. Smoking Cessation Specialist with Lee Memorial Health System—Marry Bonnette—applauds efforts to keep public spaces smoke-free.

“The greatest thing that we can do for smokers and former smokers is provide a smoke-free environment… and insist that we have public areas as a smoke-free environment. The atmosphere in the public is extremely important.”

Bonnette says she’s currently researching tobacco use and tobacco-related deaths in southwest Florida. She calls it a “significant” local health issue. The American Cancer Society sponsors an event similar to “World No Tobacco Day.” “The Great American Smoke-Out” takes place each November.