Science-driven policies cut tobacco-related illnesses worldwide
Health Canada estimates that 48,000 Canadians lose their lives each year due to tobacco smoking, making it the leading preventable cause of death. Interdisciplinary researchers at Waterloo are paving the way for global change. Their work demonstrating the effectiveness of tobacco control policies—such as higher tobacco taxes, public smoking bans, advertising restrictions, graphic health warnings and menthol cigarette bans—has shown remarkable results in reducing tobacco use, among youth and adults in Canada and globally.
people worldwide use tobacco products
(World Health Organization)
die from tobacco-related causes globally each year
(Global Burden of Disease Study)
in global economic losses are caused by tobacco use
(International Tobacco Control Project Tobacco)
Our collaboration with governments, health organizations and the global tobacco control treaty has enabled us to use our research findings to strengthen and accelerate efforts to reduce tobacco use worldwide.
Dr. David Hammond, a public health professor, studies youth nicotine use and national tobacco policies, conducting surveys in Canada, the U.S., England, New Zealand, and soon Australia. Dr. Geoffrey Fong, a psychology professor and principal investigator of the ITC Project, combines psychological theories with epidemiological methods to evaluate their effects globally.
ITC Project
The International Tobacco Control Project is the world’s largest tobacco research program, spanning 31 countries and over 150 researchers, committed to curbing tobacco use worldwide. With 180 surveys and data from over 300,000 individuals, it has built an unprecedented 150-million-point global dataset. Backed by over 800 published articles, this global initiative drives impactful change, equipping communities and policymakers with evidence on how stronger policies can reduce tobacco use, among adults and among youth and young adults.
Societal futures
Demographic transformations, migration shifts, technological advances and geopolitical forces are creating rapid change in our world. Waterloo is committed to enhancing societal well-being by addressing past legacies and fostering constructive dialogue. Through innovation, we aim to create inclusive models that ensure every member of our community belongs and thrives.
Discover more ways Waterloo is on it.
Rebuilding bones with nanomaterials →
Explore how Waterloo researchers' nanocomposite is paving the way to bone grafts custom engineered to each patient.
Decoding cerebral palsy→
Learn how Waterloo co-op students are shaping the future of cerebral palsy research with AI-powered genetic insights.
Butt out the old and get the new.
Quick knowledge, big insights! Subscribe to the Innovation Insider for health, climate, tech, physics and human behaviour innovations in under two minutes.