Smoking and Tobacco
Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to many health concerns.
Smoking has a negative effect on a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant and can be very harmful to both a woman and her baby during and after pregnancy. Any exposure to cigarette smoke can affect a woman’s reproductive, maternal, and physical health. Exposure to tobacco smoke can also harm an unborn baby. Chemicals from tobacco smoke, such as carbon monoxide and nicotine, can cross the placenta to affect the unborn baby. Babies born to mothers who smoke have a greater risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as low oxygen levels, developmental and learning problems, visual and respiratory problems, bleeding in the brain, and jaundice. Pregnant women who smoke, or who are exposed to second-hand smoke, have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or gestational hypertension.
E-cigarettes come in many forms and have multiple parts. They are usually a cylindrical device made of stainless steel or plastic that mimics a cigarette in terms of its appearance and use and sometimes taste, but does not contain tobacco. They can also look a lot like a pen.
The vapour mimics the appearance of smoke. The act of using an e-cigarette is often referred to as vaping. Other names for e-cigarettes include vapour pens and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These terms are more commonly used in the United States to describe devices that contain nicotine.
Booklets
Booklet, Revised 2024
This booklet provides information about cannabis and its short- and long- term effects. In addition, the booklet provides information about cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and while parenting. The potential harms of cannabis for children and youth are outlined, including additional resources and support information.
Booklet, 2014
This booklet is based on fathers’ experiences of reducing and quitting smoking and is designed for men to further their understanding of the challenges associated with being a father who smokes. Exploring the route to reducing or quitting is the first step in the journey to becoming a smoke-free father. This booklet was designed by the University of British Columbia. Adaptations have been made to meet the needs of Saskatchewan fathers.
Booklet, 2011
Children worry when they see people they care about doing something dangerous to their health. Smoking and Quitting: Clean Air for All (PDF) is a storybook for use with children in Grades 1 to 5 that will help them find answers to their questions, as well as make it easier for them to talk to teachers, parents, caregivers, and other family members about their thoughts and feelings about smoking. Smoking and Quitting has been awarded Curriculum Services Canada’s (CSC) Seal of Quality. Available in limited quantities and in French.
Brochures
Brochure, 2006
This booklet talks about the effects about second-hand smoke and the benefits of a smoke-free home and car. There are guidelines to follow to help plan a smoke-free environment for the whole family. This booklet includes a smoke-free space sticker for office or car window and a fridge magnet.
Fact Sheets
Fact Sheet, Revised 2024
This fact sheet defines what vaping products are and how they can be harmful to the health of children and youth. This resource outlines tips for parents to avoid injury or accidental poisoning from vaping products and devices. Vaping devices are also sometimes referred to as vape pens, vapes, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes.
Fact Sheet, 2019
This fact sheet explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Guides and Manuals
Guide and Manual, Revised 2020
In conjunction with the Your Choices Matter Video, the Facilitator’s Guide can be used to engage youth and communities to have conversations about health and behaviour choices that they are making today to ensure the best health outcome for themselves and their future children. The guide provides background information and several lesson plans, which can be used in the classroom or in a group setting, to address the various topics introduced in the video.
While the Your Choices Matter Video is meant to introduce the topic of infant mortality and health behaviours, the lesson plans are a way to take this a step further. Each lesson addresses common risk factors for infant mortality and can help guide discussion about the impact of these risk factors for youth today and in the future, and for their future children. Each lesson has been linked to the Saskatchewan Curriculum and, where applicable, includes marking rubrics.
Guide and Manual, 2015
This online resource includes current information about tobacco, related topics, and provides learning activities for Saskatchewan teachers to use in classroom settings.
To promote further awareness on tobacco prevention, this unit was collaboratively developed to introduce the health and social issues related to tobacco for youth.
Complete with links to other resources, this online unit promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages youth to further explore health behaviours.
Information Cards
Information Card, 2022
This information card is aimed at people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It provides evidence-based information about the potential effects of cannabis use when trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and when breastfeeding. The information card highlights how cannabis use could affect fertility (the ability to get pregnant) and a developing baby’s growth.
Information Card, 2019
This information card explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Information Card, 2016
Saskatchewan has legislation to protect children from the harms associated with second-hand smoke when in vehicles. This information card is aimed at parents and caregivers. The card outlines the harms associated with second-hand smoke and encourages everyone to make their vehicles smoke-free.
Links
Posters
Poster, 2023
This poster explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Supports are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Poster, 2022
This poster raises awareness of the importance of safe storage of cannabis products to protect children from poisoning.
Videos
Video, 2016
A 16-minute video about the facts and health & safety risks of electronic cigarettes. This video includes a disc with a summary and quiz you can download. The information is presented in clear language and is suitable for grade seven to adult.
Video, 2012
This video is for Aboriginal parents and caregivers. It offers real stories from Aboriginal families who have smoke-free homes. The families talk about the approaches that worked for them. The purpose of the video is to: 1) discuss the impact of second-hand smoke on young families; 2) understand the difference between sacred use of traditional tobacco and recreational use of commercial tobacco; and 3) share strategies to reduce the impact of recreational use of tobacco on children. This video includes a Facilitator’s Guide.
Video, 2011
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. Viewers learn about the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke and are alerted to the hazards of second-hand and third-hand smoke. Long-term and short-term health risks are discussed, from shortness of breath to lung cancer. The video emphasizes the unique dangers of smokeless and dissolvable tobacco products including snus. Doctors share details about how nicotine quickly leads to addiction. The video also explores the misleading marketing tactics meant to lure young people into smoking. Several young ex-smokers describe how difficult it is to quit tobacco. Strong non-use message is sure to resonate with young teens.
This video includes 42-Page Teacher’s Resource Book.
Audience: Grades 5-9
Video, 2008
As the title suggests, this video goes for the gross-out factor, presenting students with a graphic look at all things vile and disgusting (and there are many!) about using tobacco products. The story revolves around Josie, a middle school student who is preparing a video on the dangers of tobacco use for a health class assignment, despite the disbelieving attitude from her peers – including her boyfriend, Miguel, a smoker himself. As she develops her video project, she shows her friends clips of hairy tongues, yellow teeth, dripping phlegm, oozing tar, diseased lungs, laryngectomies (neck breathers), wrinkled skin, cancerous tumors, and more, until they just can’t take it anymore. Not for the fainthearted, this video’s imagery will linger long in students’ minds and remind them to never consider using tobacco products.
Audience: Grades 5-9
Video, 2005
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. This program explains just how nicotine affects the brain and why it is so addicting. Includes a state-of-the-art treatment section as well as a copier-ready handout.
Video, 2003
Barb Tarbox, a 42-year-old woman from Edmonton, Alberta was diagnosed with Stage Four terminal lung cancer after smoking since grade 7. Refusing to let cigarettes take another life, Barb began speaking to students across Canada warning of the dangers associated with smoking. This video captures the spirit of Barb’s presentations and the passion that characterized the last months of her life.
WARNING: This video contains emotional material regarding Barb Tarbox’s experience with lung cancer, and some content may be disturbing to preteens. Viewer discretion is advised.
Audience: Grades 7‐12.
Video, 2005
When you’re pregnant, everything you eat, drink, and breathe affects your health and your baby’s health. So when you smoke, your baby does too.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. When you stop smoking, you:
No matter how long you have been smoking, quitting smoking also benefits your health, gives you more energy, and lets you feel good about what you’ve done for yourself and your baby. This video provides support, guidance, and information about resources to help you resist the urge to smoke.
Booklet, Revised 2024
This booklet provides information about cannabis and its short- and long- term effects. In addition, the booklet provides information about cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and while parenting. The potential harms of cannabis for children and youth are outlined, including additional resources and support information.
Booklet, 2014
This booklet is based on fathers’ experiences of reducing and quitting smoking and is designed for men to further their understanding of the challenges associated with being a father who smokes. Exploring the route to reducing or quitting is the first step in the journey to becoming a smoke-free father. This booklet was designed by the University of British Columbia. Adaptations have been made to meet the needs of Saskatchewan fathers.
Booklet, 2011
Children worry when they see people they care about doing something dangerous to their health. Smoking and Quitting: Clean Air for All (PDF) is a storybook for use with children in Grades 1 to 5 that will help them find answers to their questions, as well as make it easier for them to talk to teachers, parents, caregivers, and other family members about their thoughts and feelings about smoking. Smoking and Quitting has been awarded Curriculum Services Canada’s (CSC) Seal of Quality. Available in limited quantities and in French.
Brochure, 2006
This booklet talks about the effects about second-hand smoke and the benefits of a smoke-free home and car. There are guidelines to follow to help plan a smoke-free environment for the whole family. This booklet includes a smoke-free space sticker for office or car window and a fridge magnet.
Fact Sheet, Revised 2024
This fact sheet defines what vaping products are and how they can be harmful to the health of children and youth. This resource outlines tips for parents to avoid injury or accidental poisoning from vaping products and devices. Vaping devices are also sometimes referred to as vape pens, vapes, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes.
Fact Sheet, 2019
This fact sheet explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Guide and Manual, Revised 2020
In conjunction with the Your Choices Matter Video, the Facilitator’s Guide can be used to engage youth and communities to have conversations about health and behaviour choices that they are making today to ensure the best health outcome for themselves and their future children. The guide provides background information and several lesson plans, which can be used in the classroom or in a group setting, to address the various topics introduced in the video.
While the Your Choices Matter Video is meant to introduce the topic of infant mortality and health behaviours, the lesson plans are a way to take this a step further. Each lesson addresses common risk factors for infant mortality and can help guide discussion about the impact of these risk factors for youth today and in the future, and for their future children. Each lesson has been linked to the Saskatchewan Curriculum and, where applicable, includes marking rubrics.
Guide and Manual, 2015
This online resource includes current information about tobacco, related topics, and provides learning activities for Saskatchewan teachers to use in classroom settings.
To promote further awareness on tobacco prevention, this unit was collaboratively developed to introduce the health and social issues related to tobacco for youth.
Complete with links to other resources, this online unit promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages youth to further explore health behaviours.
Information Card, 2022
This information card is aimed at people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It provides evidence-based information about the potential effects of cannabis use when trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and when breastfeeding. The information card highlights how cannabis use could affect fertility (the ability to get pregnant) and a developing baby’s growth.
Information Card, 2019
This information card explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Information Card, 2016
Saskatchewan has legislation to protect children from the harms associated with second-hand smoke when in vehicles. This information card is aimed at parents and caregivers. The card outlines the harms associated with second-hand smoke and encourages everyone to make their vehicles smoke-free.
Poster, 2023
This poster explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Supports are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Poster, 2022
This poster raises awareness of the importance of safe storage of cannabis products to protect children from poisoning.
Video, 2016
A 16-minute video about the facts and health & safety risks of electronic cigarettes. This video includes a disc with a summary and quiz you can download. The information is presented in clear language and is suitable for grade seven to adult.
Video, 2012
This video is for Aboriginal parents and caregivers. It offers real stories from Aboriginal families who have smoke-free homes. The families talk about the approaches that worked for them. The purpose of the video is to: 1) discuss the impact of second-hand smoke on young families; 2) understand the difference between sacred use of traditional tobacco and recreational use of commercial tobacco; and 3) share strategies to reduce the impact of recreational use of tobacco on children. This video includes a Facilitator’s Guide.
Video, 2011
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. Viewers learn about the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke and are alerted to the hazards of second-hand and third-hand smoke. Long-term and short-term health risks are discussed, from shortness of breath to lung cancer. The video emphasizes the unique dangers of smokeless and dissolvable tobacco products including snus. Doctors share details about how nicotine quickly leads to addiction. The video also explores the misleading marketing tactics meant to lure young people into smoking. Several young ex-smokers describe how difficult it is to quit tobacco. Strong non-use message is sure to resonate with young teens.
This video includes 42-Page Teacher’s Resource Book.
Audience: Grades 5-9
Video, 2008
As the title suggests, this video goes for the gross-out factor, presenting students with a graphic look at all things vile and disgusting (and there are many!) about using tobacco products. The story revolves around Josie, a middle school student who is preparing a video on the dangers of tobacco use for a health class assignment, despite the disbelieving attitude from her peers – including her boyfriend, Miguel, a smoker himself. As she develops her video project, she shows her friends clips of hairy tongues, yellow teeth, dripping phlegm, oozing tar, diseased lungs, laryngectomies (neck breathers), wrinkled skin, cancerous tumors, and more, until they just can’t take it anymore. Not for the fainthearted, this video’s imagery will linger long in students’ minds and remind them to never consider using tobacco products.
Audience: Grades 5-9
Video, 2005
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. This program explains just how nicotine affects the brain and why it is so addicting. Includes a state-of-the-art treatment section as well as a copier-ready handout.
Video, 2003
Barb Tarbox, a 42-year-old woman from Edmonton, Alberta was diagnosed with Stage Four terminal lung cancer after smoking since grade 7. Refusing to let cigarettes take another life, Barb began speaking to students across Canada warning of the dangers associated with smoking. This video captures the spirit of Barb’s presentations and the passion that characterized the last months of her life.
WARNING: This video contains emotional material regarding Barb Tarbox’s experience with lung cancer, and some content may be disturbing to preteens. Viewer discretion is advised.
Audience: Grades 7‐12.
Video, 2005
When you’re pregnant, everything you eat, drink, and breathe affects your health and your baby’s health. So when you smoke, your baby does too.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. When you stop smoking, you:
No matter how long you have been smoking, quitting smoking also benefits your health, gives you more energy, and lets you feel good about what you’ve done for yourself and your baby. This video provides support, guidance, and information about resources to help you resist the urge to smoke.
Booklets
Booklet, Revised 2024
This booklet provides information about cannabis and its short- and long- term effects. In addition, the booklet provides information about cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and while parenting. The potential harms of cannabis for children and youth are outlined, including additional resources and support information.
Booklet, 2014
This booklet is based on fathers’ experiences of reducing and quitting smoking and is designed for men to further their understanding of the challenges associated with being a father who smokes. Exploring the route to reducing or quitting is the first step in the journey to becoming a smoke-free father. This booklet was designed by the University of British Columbia. Adaptations have been made to meet the needs of Saskatchewan fathers.
Booklet, 2011
Children worry when they see people they care about doing something dangerous to their health. Smoking and Quitting: Clean Air for All (PDF) is a storybook for use with children in Grades 1 to 5 that will help them find answers to their questions, as well as make it easier for them to talk to teachers, parents, caregivers, and other family members about their thoughts and feelings about smoking. Smoking and Quitting has been awarded Curriculum Services Canada’s (CSC) Seal of Quality. Available in limited quantities and in French.
Brochures
Brochure, 2006
This booklet talks about the effects about second-hand smoke and the benefits of a smoke-free home and car. There are guidelines to follow to help plan a smoke-free environment for the whole family. This booklet includes a smoke-free space sticker for office or car window and a fridge magnet.
Fact Sheets
Fact Sheet, Revised 2024
This fact sheet defines what vaping products are and how they can be harmful to the health of children and youth. This resource outlines tips for parents to avoid injury or accidental poisoning from vaping products and devices. Vaping devices are also sometimes referred to as vape pens, vapes, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes.
Fact Sheet, 2019
This fact sheet explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Guides and Manuals
Guide and Manual, Revised 2020
In conjunction with the Your Choices Matter Video, the Facilitator’s Guide can be used to engage youth and communities to have conversations about health and behaviour choices that they are making today to ensure the best health outcome for themselves and their future children. The guide provides background information and several lesson plans, which can be used in the classroom or in a group setting, to address the various topics introduced in the video.
While the Your Choices Matter Video is meant to introduce the topic of infant mortality and health behaviours, the lesson plans are a way to take this a step further. Each lesson addresses common risk factors for infant mortality and can help guide discussion about the impact of these risk factors for youth today and in the future, and for their future children. Each lesson has been linked to the Saskatchewan Curriculum and, where applicable, includes marking rubrics.
Guide and Manual, 2015
This online resource includes current information about tobacco, related topics, and provides learning activities for Saskatchewan teachers to use in classroom settings.
To promote further awareness on tobacco prevention, this unit was collaboratively developed to introduce the health and social issues related to tobacco for youth.
Complete with links to other resources, this online unit promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages youth to further explore health behaviours.
Information Cards
Information Card, 2022
This information card is aimed at people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It provides evidence-based information about the potential effects of cannabis use when trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and when breastfeeding. The information card highlights how cannabis use could affect fertility (the ability to get pregnant) and a developing baby’s growth.
Information Card, 2019
This information card explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Websites are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Information Card, 2016
Saskatchewan has legislation to protect children from the harms associated with second-hand smoke when in vehicles. This information card is aimed at parents and caregivers. The card outlines the harms associated with second-hand smoke and encourages everyone to make their vehicles smoke-free.
Links
Posters
Poster, 2023
This poster explains that for women living with HIV, smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the chances that HIV will be passed to the baby. Supports are listed to help pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to quit or reduce their tobacco use.
Poster, 2022
This poster raises awareness of the importance of safe storage of cannabis products to protect children from poisoning.