Canada will be the first nation to start printing warnings directly onto individual cigarettes in the hope that it will deter young people from starting smoking while encouraging others to quit.
The warnings, which will be in English and French, will include phrases like "Cigarettes cause cancer" and "Poison in every puff".
The new regulations go into effect this week and Canadians will begin to see the new warning labels next year.
According to the BBC,“ By July 2024 manufacturers will have to ensure the warnings are on all king-size cigarettes sold, and by April 2025 all regular-size cigarettes and little cigars with tipping paper and tubes must include the warnings.
“The phrases will appear by the filter, including warnings about harming children, damaging organs, and causing impotence and leukemia.”
The Canadian Cancer Society, Canada's Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Lung Association have spoken out in support of the move. As a public health sector, Health Canada is constantly seeking to assist those who wish to stop smoking.
It’s never too late to #QuitSmoking.
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) July 26, 2023
Even if you’ve developed smoking-related problems like heart disease, you can benefit from quitting.
To learn more and get tools for a smoke-free life, visit: https://t.co/9n0MX5jG7J pic.twitter.com/FyPOtlBOhH
