Antitobacco

Antitobacco refers to a public health movement and set of policy measures aimed at reducing the use of tobacco products and limiting exposure to tobacco smoke. It encompasses government regulation, non-governmental campaigns, and cessation support designed to prevent initiation, encourage quitting, and protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

The movement gained momentum in the 20th century as scientific evidence linked tobacco use to cancer and other diseases. International action culminated in frameworks such as the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) signed in 2003, which encouraged governments to adopt evidence-based measures.

Common strategies include taxation and price increases, restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, mandatory health warnings on packaging, smoke-free public places, and age restrictions on sales. Cessation services, such as quitlines and nicotine replacement therapies, are also promoted. In some jurisdictions, regulation of new products and plain packaging policies have been pursued to reduce appeal, particularly to youths. Debates continue over the role of e-cigarettes and harm reduction within antitobacco strategies.

Key actors include national and local health agencies, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the WHO. The tobacco industry generally opposes most antitobacco measures and has used litigation, lobbying, and corporate social responsibility programs to influence policy.

Outcomes attributed to antitobacco efforts include reduced smoking prevalence in many countries and lower exposure to secondhand smoke. Critics note economic costs, illicit trade, and challenges in balancing public health goals with individual freedom and economic interests. Overall, antitobacco remains a central element of modern public health policy.