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Tobacco use is the number one cause of death and preventable illness in Ontario. Every year, 13,000 people in Ontario die from tobacco use. It is a highly addictive substance which makes it difficult for tobacco users to quit. Tobacco use causes many health problems including shortness of breath, stained teeth and gums, impotence, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.

Tobacco use affects the health of non-smokers as well. Second-hand smoke is a class A carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and is actually more harmful than directly inhaled smoke. Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to chronic health problems.

Quitting or reducing your tobacco use is the best thing you can do for your health!

Explore this section to:

• Learn about the health effects of smoking and second-hand smoke
• Learn tips on how to quit or reduce your smoking, including using stop smoking medications to increase your chances of quitting successfully
• Learn about the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy and Act
• Learn about other tobacco products like cigars, cigarillos, hookah, and chew and spit tobacco