Core Messages

As countries around the world work to limit the impact of the coronavirus, there has never been a better or more urgent time for people to quit smoking and vaping.

In order to protect health and reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, we urge all those who smoke or vape to quit. Research has shown that quitting smoking rapidly improves lung function.

Tobacco companies are shamefully exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to boost corporate brands and to sell deadly products.

Tobacco companies will stop at nothing to sell more products, even if it means capitalizing on a pandemic. Never has it been more important for the public and policymakers to see the tobacco industry for what it is: an industry of death and disease.

False information has been spread that smoking or vaping will protect tobacco users from COVID-19. This information is false and dangerous.

COVID-19 makes it even more critical that policymakers implement strong tobacco control measures, including the measures called for by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The increased risk of COVID-19 on smokers makes it more important than ever for policymakers around the world to adopt strong tobacco control measures – particularly in low- and middle-income countries where more than 80 percent of the world’s smokers live.

It is not surprising that there is mounting concern among leading public health organizations and experts that smokers face a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. As vaping impacts the immune system and can harm lung health, e-cigarette users may also face higher risks. We urge all smokers and e-cigarette users to quit in order to protect their health.

Behaviors that weaken the lungs put individuals at greater risk. COVID-19 attacks the lungs.

Smokers and vapers may be at greater risk for severe illness when confronted with COVID-19.