FAQs

Toxic emissions listings on tobacco packages - What has changed?

Until June 2001, only a few components of cigarette smoke, such as tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide,were found on cigarette packs.The emission levels of these toxic chemicals were indicated as a single amount -- for example,"Tar 14 mg".

The new Tobacco Products Information Regulations adds three new toxic chemicals to the list -- benzene, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. The emission levels of all six toxic chemicals are now presented in the form of a range (a low number and a high number). This range reflects how people smoke differently -- for example, "Tar 14-34 mg".

Many people think that the chemicals in cigarettes are in such small amounts that there is no need for concern. But do not be fooled! Even if a cigarette pack displays lower toxic emission levels, the effect of the exposure to these chemicals can be cumulative: every time you inhale cigarette smoke, directly or indirectly, the risk to your health increases.

For example, a pack-a-day smoker will smoke 7,300 cigarettes a year and will inhale the equivalent of almost 1 gram of formaldehyde that year. There are still over 3,999 other chemicals whose effects on the body continue to add up.

While these new listings increase awareness about the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes, they still do not tell the whole story.

More information on testing procedures >>

Why is the Government of Canada making companies do this?

Health Canada's top priority is keeping Canadians healthy, and one of the best ways to do so is to make sure we are informed of health hazards. There are many more than six hazardous chemicals in tobacco smoke. Health Canada wants Canadians to have more accurate knowledge of the chemicals in cigarettes, what smokers and those around them are exposed to, and what it may mean for our health. Information on the amounts of 25 cigarette constituents and 40 cigarette emissions, collected by Health Canada, is available.

Are there really 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke?

It is estimated that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and at least 50 of them have been proven to cause cancer. Most of the toxic chemicals of cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, are created when tobacco burns. Others such as lead, nitrosamines and nicotine are found naturally in unburned tobacco but are released as it burns. Health Canada requires manufacturers to test and report on 43 chemicals found in smoke -- including the six now listed on packages.

Do tobacco companies put toxic additives in their cigarettes?

Canadian manufacturers have publicly said that they put few additives in the tobacco used in their cigarettes. They also say that they add a few chemicals, such as humectants (a substance that helps tobacco retain moisture) or "binders" (that are used for making reconstituted tobacco) to cigarette tobacco.

Why does Health Canada let such a toxic product be sold in Canada?

People were smoking tobacco long before we knew how dangerous -- and addictive -- it can be. Right now, slightly less than five million Canadians smoke and banning tobacco outright would be an impractical and unrealistic way to help people stop.