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3. ‘Let’s Take Off the Mask, Let’s Protect Our Health’ on World No Tobacco Day

May 31, World No Tobacco Day, highlighted an alarming reality: in Lebanon, more than half of adults smoke, making the country the regional leader in tobacco use.  

Indeed, 54% of adults over 18 are regular smokers. The situation among adolescents is equally concerning, as Lebanon ranks highest in the region for the number of young people – both girls and boys – who have tried cigarettes or hookah. Many begin smoking between the ages of 14 and 18, a crucial period during which they form their identities and are particularly vulnerable to external influences.

Under the slogan “Let’s Take Off the Mask, Let’s Protect Our Health,” chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) to denounce tobacco industry marketing strategies, this day allowed Hôtel-Dieu de France to organize an important awareness campaign. The goal was to inform young people about the real dangers of new forms of tobacco like e-cigarettes, vapes or IQOS – often mistakenly perceived as less harmful – in order to protect public health.

In Lebanon, New Forms of Tobacco Are Gaining Ground Among Youth

Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, responsible for over 8 million deaths each year according to the WHO. In addition to cancer and cardiovascular disease, it causes severe respiratory illnesses such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), an incurable and highly disabling condition.

In Lebanon, a troubling trend is the growing use of hookahs, vapes, puffs and heated products like IQOS, particularly among adolescents. Dr. Zeina Aoun, the head of the pulmonology and medical ICU at Hôtel-Dieu de France, warned in an interview with Ici Beyrouth that “many believe these products are less dangerous, but that’s false – they contain very toxic substances and are highly addictive.”

Moreover, secondhand smoke – which non-smoking children and adults are exposed to daily – exacerbates the severity of the problem, making prevention efforts all the more critical, according to healthcare professionals.

Games as a Tool to Combat Tobacco Use

To effectively reach young people, Hôtel-Dieu de France organized a day of awareness, bringing together many visitors tog educational and interactive booths. Rita Nassrani, the head of the Smoking Cessation Center, explained that the goal was to “correct misconceptions and reach teens before they start smoking.”

Numerous fun activities, including games, quizzes and drawings, were featured throughout the day to engage participants. Free COPD screenings were also offered to raise awareness about this often-underestimated respiratory illness.

Dr. Aoun reminded participants that “many believe e-cigarettes are harmless, but they’re not,” emphasizing the need for reliable information. Additionally, wellness spaces provided yoga and relaxation sessions, along with tips for better stress management – encouraging healthier lifestyles.

This event helped strengthen public awareness of the dangers of tobacco and its alternatives – an essential step in the fight against this public health threat.

Behind Sweet Flavors Lie Real Dangers

Despite awareness campaigns, misconceptions about tobacco and its alternatives persist – especially among young people. Many still think that smoking only at parties, or choosing hookah or e-cigarettes, is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Yet this is scientifically inaccurate.

These products, often seen as harmless, actually contain nicotine and other toxic substances – sometimes in high concentrations. “These false beliefs are very widespread, but all these products are harmful, without exception,” Dr. Aoun stressed. She noted that behind the confusion lie well-honed strategies by tobacco companies, which foster ambiguity to maintain a misleading sense of safety.

Colin Cordahi, a psychiatry resident at Hôtel-Dieu, added that “the appeal of sweet flavors and colorful designs is part of a well-crafted marketing strategy aimed at attracting youth and downplaying the perceived risks.”

The event aimed to lift the veil on these illusions, relying on prevention and scientific information – which health professionals consider the most powerful tools against the grip of these products.

Dialogue, Prevention and Support for All

The initiative launched by Hôtel-Dieu de France is part of a collective mobilization involving healthcare workers, NGOs, educators and citizens – all united by a shared goal: to reduce tobacco’s hold on society.

“This isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a step in a lasting commitment to public health,” said Ms. Nassrani. Free and open to all, the event allowed people of all ages and backgrounds to ask questions, receive information, and access personalized support.

For Cordahi, creating spaces for dialogue is essential to dismantling automatic behaviors linked to smoking and encouraging young people to make informed choices. By focusing on prevention, active listening and awareness, this initiative aims to become a catalyst for lasting change – a starting point for a healthier future where facts replace illusions and solidarity strengthens everyone’s well-being.

Smoking as a ‘Crutch’ for Anxiety and Pain

Carole Charabati, a psychologist at the Smoking Cessation Center, explained that quitting smoking is not solely a matter of willpower, but requires emotional support. “Many people smoke to calm anxiety or escape pain. My role is to help them face daily life without resorting to this crutch,” she said.

She emphasized that the link between smoking and mental health is often misunderstood: “Some think smoking helps with depression, but studies show it actually worsens anxiety and depression.” She also pointed out a little-known fact: “Tobacco reduces the effectiveness of many medications, including antidepressants and anesthetics.”

For her, helping people quit smoking also means helping them restore better mental and physical balance.

The Urgent Need to Enforce Laws and Change Habits in Lebanon

Dr. Aoun criticized the lack of enforcement of laws on tobacco sales to minors in Lebanon, stating that “there are no real restrictions” and “no one seems to care” about the issue. According to her, the laws exist but are not applied, which is “a major problem” and largely explains the high rate of smoking among young people.

She also pointed to a problematic attitude toward health, noting that “many Lebanese don’t believe in medical evidence” and “feel immune to disease and recommendations.”

To change this reality, she stressed the need to denormalize smoking: “In countries around the world, smoking has become abnormal – but in Lebanon, it’s still very normal and even strongly defended.”

Dr. Aoun also supports raising cigarette prices and enforcing a total public smoking ban, believing that only an “endgame strategy” can make tobacco nearly disappear.