This May 31, Brussels is celebrating World No Tobacco Day, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). On this occasion, BELTA, an organization bringing together FARES and VRGT, is organizing a bilingual action to prevent and raise awareness of smoking cessation in the Brussels-Capital Region.
This day marks the end of Brussels No Tobacco Week, organized for the fifth consecutive year to raise public awareness of the dangers of tobacco, its impacts on health and the environment, and to promote the assistance available to quit smoking.
At the Carrefour de l’Europe, in front of the central station, a smoke-free area will welcome passers-by for fun and informative activities. Tobacco specialists will be present to advise and support free of charge smokers wishing to think about their tobacco consumption or to gather information on the help available to quit smoking. In fact, personalized support from a tobacco specialist quadruples the chances of success in quitting smoking.
Tobacco in a few figures
Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Every year, it is responsible for more than 8 million deaths worldwide, including nearly 700,000 in the European Union and at least 15,000 in Belgium. Nearly half of smokers die prematurely, on average 14 years earlier than non-smokers. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer, mainly caused by smoking, represent respectively a third and a quarter of deaths in Belgium. COPD and diabetes are also worsened by tobacco use.
Despite a decrease in the smoking rate in recent years, it remains worrying. In 2018, 19% of Belgians still smoked. In Brussels, this proportion is even higher with 36% of residents smoking, compared to 27% in Wallonia and 21% in Flanders. Young people aged 15 to 20 are particularly affected, with 51% having already used tobacco products.
Activities and awareness
BELTA, with its bilingual multi-year plan, supports the objectives of the Brussels integrated social health plan. This plan aims to improve the health of Brussels residents by facilitating access to information and health services. Among the activities offered on May 31, we find:
- Smell tests and assessment of the impact of smoking
- Measurement of exhaled CO level
- Speed racing with a COPD simulator
The tobacco specialists will answer questions and guide participants according to their needs. Several partners, including the Belgian Cardiological League and the Diabète Network, will offer activities related to the theme of the day. Bruxelles Propreté will raise awareness of the environmental impact of smoking, and Brusano will support all of the proposed actions with its prevention and health promotion officers.
