Cigarettes inside-out: Reading the fine print on cigarette packaging

Reading the fine print on cigarette packaging

Health warnings

Toxic chemical emission levels aren't likely to be the first thing you'll notice on a cigarette pack. Health Canada's Tobacco Products Information Regulations also call for graphic warning messages to be printed prominently on every package or carton of cigarettes, tobacco sticks, cigarette tobacco, leaf tobacco, kreteks, pipe tobacco and cigars.

"Tobacco smoke hurts babies" is one of the 16 prescribed health warnings that must accompany colour and graphic illustrations filling 50% of the package's main display area. The remaining text following this headline example reads "Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth. Babies born preterm are at an increased risk of infant death, illness and disability."

Health information

The new Regulations distinguish between health warnings and health information. In addition to one of the 16 possible warnings, an information message must also come with the purchase of a tobacco product. These messages are printed on its slide, on the outside of the tub or package, inside the lid, on the seal, or on a leaflet included with the product. Health Canada has also determined the contents for 16 such messages, for example:
"Can my baby be harmed if I smoke while I'm pregnant?"

Toxic emissions

The list of emission levels of six toxic chemicals released when smoking will be printed on a side of the package. This information is in the form of a range (a low number and a high number) that reflects how people smoke differently.

For example, when the pack declares "Carbon monoxide 15-28mg", you will now know that you are inhaling significant amounts of this noxious chemical. Since no two individuals smoke the same way, the new measurement standards give a better idea of the range of toxic chemicals to which you are exposed when smoking.

Current* vs. previous indications of emission levels

* Providing a low and high range for emission levels of these toxic chemicals is reflective of how people smoke differently and provides a better idea of the range of toxic chemicals to which people are exposed when smoking. The best way to reduce the potential health risks associated with these toxic chemicals is to quit!