World No Tobacco Day 2025
On May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the health risks of smoking, tobacco use, and nicotine-based products. The theme of the 2025 campaign, “Unmasking the Appeal”, sheds light on the tactics used by the tobacco industry to make nicotine products appealing – especially to younger generations.
Humanitas University joins this global call to action, with a special focus on students and young people, aiming to clarify the risks associated with new products such as disposable e-cigarettes (puff bar), heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches. In recent years, these products have spread rapidly, fueled by eye-catching packaging, appealing flavours and aggressive marketing tactics. Often perceived as “less harmful” than traditional smoking, they are not without risks.
“Today’s market offers a wide range of nicotine-based products – some of which don’t even contain tobacco anymore – that are designed with sleek looks and targeted marketing, especially aimed at young people,” explains Stefano Aliberti, Full Professor of Respiratory Diseases at Humanitas University and Head of Pneumology at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital. “For instance, e-cigarettes are not harmless: they release irritants, heavy metals, and toxic compounds that can damage the respiratory system – even in non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke,” continues Aliberti. “Scientific studies have shown that e-cigarettes can cause airway inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and worsen chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, as well as increase the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.”
In the university setting – where these devices can spread easily – it’s essential to promote smoke- and nicotine-free environments, challenge the false sense of safety and encourage students, faculty and staff to make informed choices for their health.
No Tobacco Day at Humanitas University
On Friday, May 30, Humanitas University and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital will take part in World No Tobacco Day through a series of activities dedicated to heart and lung health.
A special event called “Don’t Stop Singing” will be held, an interactive musical experience in which a choir will sing together with patients, caregivers, and students, performing well-known songs inspired by breathing and the heart. With melodies like Every Breath You Take, Cuoricini, ’O Sole Mio, and Brava, participants will test their lung capacity and heart rhythm, highlighting the importance of keeping the body healthy.
“Don’t Stop Singing” will take place in multiple moments: from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the garden of Building 2, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano. After that, the choir will move to the International Campus of Humanitas University, where students will join in singing songs in English.
The event will continue with talks (in both Italian and English) by Stefano Aliberti, Giuseppe Marulli (Head of Thoracic Surgery at IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital and faculty member at Humanitas University), and Licia Vanessa Siracusano (Head of the Smoking Cessation Center at IRCCS Humanitas).