There’s an industry that spends over a million dollars every hour on advertising. Their mission? To find younger, newer customers—every single day.
Do you know why?
Because up to half of their users will die from using their product.
We’re talking about the tobacco industry.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco products are responsible for over 8 million deaths globally every year—a staggering human cost for corporate profit (WHO, 2025).
Source – WHO
To sustain their business model, tobacco companies must recruit new users constantly, often targeting young people who are more impressionable and unaware of long-term risks.
They do this by wrapping addiction in disguise:
Flavors that mask the harshness of chemicals
Attractive packaging that appeals to youth
Slick advertising that makes smoking seem rebellious, stylish, or grown-up
The Real Cost of Tobacco
Tobacco use affects nearly every organ in the body. It causes:
Heart disease
Chronic respiratory conditions
Over 20 types of cancer, including lung cancer
It is one of the leading risk factors for preventable and premature death worldwide.
There Is Hope
The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately—within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within a year, the risk of heart disease is cut in half.
It’s never too late to make a change.
Take Action. Choose Life.
Quit tobacco
Unmask its deceptive appeal
Educate others
Expose the industry
Watch WHO’s “Science in 5” episode on tobacco: Watch Video
Explore more about World No Tobacco Day: Learn More
Perspective from Ecole Wise
At Ecole Wise, we support the dissemination of transparent, research-backed information that empowers individuals to make healthy and informed decisions. This article is based on data published by the World Health Organization and reflects our commitment to ethical education and digital responsibility.
Final Thoughts for Learners
If you’re a student, educator, or parent reading this, remember:
- Awareness is the first line of defense.
- Your choices influence others—especially those younger than you.
- You have the power to change the narrative, starting with one informed decision.
Tobacco thrives in silence. Education breaks that silence. Let’s build a future where health is not a marketing target.
Sources & Image Credits
World Health Organization (2024). World No Tobacco Day 2024: Protecting children from tobacco industry interference. WHO Website
WHO (2024). Science in 5: Tobacco industry tactics. Watch here