Tobacco packaging warning signs
Encyclopedia
Tobacco packaging warning messages are health warning messages that appear on the packaging of cigarette
s and other tobacco products
. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. Warnings for some countries are listed below. Such warnings have been commonplace in tobacco advertising
for many years.
For cigarette packets, warnings include:
Warning posters
With each warning is an accompanying graphic, and detailed information on the back of the packet. In addition, cigar and loose tobacco packets show other, slightly altered warnings. These warnings target the misconception that alternative, non-cigarette tobacco products are less harmful.
Australian cigarette packaging laws also prohibit the use of terms such as 'light', 'mild', 'extra mild', etc. The three major Australian tobacco manufacturers agreed to stop using these terms, after investigation of complaints of misleading and deceptive terms were made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2005. This has assisted in counteracting the belief that some cigarette varieties are less harmful than others. To the same effect, while the carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar content of particular brands of cigarettes used to be mandated, the display and/or advertisement these figures is now prohibited under the government's "All Cigarettes are Toxic" campaign.
From 1 January 2012, all forms of branding logos, colours, and promotional texts will be banned from cigarette pack designs. The requirement is for plain cigarette packaging
showing only brand name and health warning messages.
Since 2003, the sentence "Este produto contém mais de 4,7 mil substâncias tóxicas, e nicotina que causa dependência física ou psíquica. Não existem níveis seguros para consumo dessas substâncias" (This product contains over 4700 toxic substances and nicotine, which causes physical or psychological addiction. There are no safe levels for the intake of these substances.) is displayed in all packs.
In addition to the above sentence, the message O Ministério da Saúde adverte: ... (The Health Ministry warns: ...), followed by one of the many known risks of smoking, is shown on one of the sides. The same introduction, followed by a warning, was spoken after TV commercial advertisements; and even now that cigarette ads are no longer allowed, it retains great popularity and is used in a number of different contexts, health-related or not.
warning is printed randomly on all tobacco product packaging sold legally in Canada, and is required to take up at least 50% of the visible surface of all tobacco product packaging sold legally in Canada. Imported cigarettes to be sold in Canada which do not have the warnings are affixed with sticker versions when they are sold legally in Canada. A recent government announcement stated that the warning is to be increased to 75% of the visible surface with graphic images of the ill effects of cancer on health.
Each warning is printed along with a short explanation and is accompanied by a picture illustrating that particular warning, for example:
WARNING
CIGARETTES CAUSE LUNG CANCER
85% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.
80% of lung cancer victims die within three years.
accompanied by a picture of a human lung detailing cancerous growths.
Additionally, on the inside of the packaging or, for some packets, on a pull-out card, "health information messages" provide answers and explanations regarding common questions and concerns about quitting smoking and smoking-related illnesses. On the packaging (usually on the narrow side of a packet), a table details the approximate amount of toxic substances found in that particular brand of cigarette, for example (from B&H
Belmont Milds brand):
"Toxic emissions / unit: Tar
11 – 26 mg, Nicotine
1.0 – 2.4 mg,
Carbon monoxide
14 – 28 mg, Formaldehyde
0.057 mg – 0.14 mg,
Hydrogen cyanide 0.10 – 0.22 mg, Benzene
0.028 – 0.067 mg"
In accordance with Canadian law regarding products sold legally in Canada, the warnings are provided in both English and French.
Health Canada is also considering laws mandating plain packaging, in which legal tobacco product packaging would be black and white and labelled solely with simple unadorned text, as well as outlawing descriptive terms such as "Light" and "Mild", which Health Canada argues are deceptive to consumers and encourage them to falsely believe that these brands of cigarettes are less likely to cause illness or addiction.
There have been several complaints from Canadians due to the graphic nature of some of the labels, such as the rotting teeth to show the damage which occurs to the teeth.
Further information on tobacco product labelling in Canada, see Health Canada's website. For historical data, photos, and other info see Health Non-Smoker's Rights Association website.
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):
or
Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface):
The last warning contains a mistranslation from Directive 2001/37/EC – "hydrogen" was translated as ugljik (carbon) instead of vodik. It was nevertheless signed into law and started appearing on cigarette packages in March 2009.
Between 1997 and 2004, a simple text label (Pušenje je štetno za zdravlje, or Smoking is harmful to health) warning was used.
2004–2009
Front of packaging:
Back of packaging:
These warnings are displayed in black Helvetica
bold on a white background with a thick black border. Ireland prefaces its warnings with "Irish Government Warning", and Latvia with "Veselības ministrija brīdina" (Health Ministry Warning) and Spain with "Las Autoridades Sanitarias Advierten (The Health Board Warns). In member states with more than one official language, the warnings are displayed in all languages, with the sizes adjusted accordingly (for example in Belgium the messages are written in Dutch, French and German, in Luxembourg in French and German and in Ireland, in Irish and English). All cigarette packets sold in the European Union must display the content of nicotine
, tar
, and carbon monoxide
in the same manner on the side of the packet.
In 2003, it was reported that sales of cigarette case
s had surged, attributable to the introduction of more prominent warning labels on cigarette pack
s by an EU directive in January 2003. Alternatively, people choose to hide the warnings using various funny stickers, such as "You could be hit by a bus tomorrow."
or
Back side (Smokers die younger.) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes terminal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy may harm your baby.) (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.) (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence.) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility.) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
The order was introduced in Denmark on 31 December 1991. The Order was last revised on 2 October 2003, which also imposed ban on the words "light" and "mild" on Danish cigarette packages, as did European Union countries.
The marking shall appear on one third of the most visible part of the package.
(Smoking seriously harms you and others around you) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (If you are pregnant, smoking damages your child's health) (Protect children from tobacco smoke – they have the right to choose) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking) (Smoking is highly addictive, do not start) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Get help to quit smoking: Telephone number 80313131) (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence) (Smoking causes aging of the skin) (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
For smokeless tobacco use above markings does not, whereas the label "" (This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive) is always used for such products.
or
Rear of packaging (covers 40% of surface, similar design) (Smokers die prematurely.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy
harms your child's health.) (Protect your children: don't make them breathe your smoke.) (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.) (Help yourself quit smoking: call 0 825 309 310) (Smoking can cause low blood pressure and impotence.) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.))
Left or right side of packaging
Other side of packaging
Other characteristics
can harm the health of your baby) (Protect the children: don't make them breathe your smoke) (Your physician or pharmacist can help you to quit smoking) (Smoking is very addictive; don't start with it) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor) (Smoking can reduce blood circulation and cause impotence) (Smoking causes premature skin aging) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility) (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
harms the baby.) (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.) (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.) (Smoking ages the skin.) (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.) (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid.)
326/1991.
After a high court settlement in January 2008, it was accepted that the warnings on tobacco products must appear in all official languages of the state. As a result, the European Communities (Manufacture, Presentation
and Sale of Tobacco Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 were enacted. This states that tobacco products going to market after 30 September 2008 must carry warnings in Irish and English
. A year long transition period applies to products which were on the market prior to 1 October 2008, which may be sold until 1 October 2009.
Each packet of tobacco products must carry:
harms the baby.) (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.) (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.) (Smoking causes oral cancer.) (Let us help you quit smoking.) (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.) (Smoking ages the skin.) (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.) (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid)
Other text is sometimes placed in the packets, for example some packets contain leaflets which have all the above warnings written on them, with more detailed explanations and reasons to give up, and advice from Philip Morris
.
harms your baby) (Protect children: don't let them breath your smoke) (Smoking is very addictive; don't start with it) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart- and lung diseases) (Smoking can lead to a slow, painful death) (Smoking ages your skin) (Smoking can damage the sperm and reduces the fertility) (Smoking causes serious damage to you and those around you)
or
There are also warnings on the back of every packet.
or
Rear of packaging (covers 40% of surface) (Smokers die younger.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy
harms your child.) (Protect your children from breathing your cigarette smoke.) (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.) (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor.) (Smoking can reduce blood circulation and cause impotence.) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.))
Front of cigarette packages: (Smoking can kill) (changed in 2010 to "Fumar mata") (Smoking seriously harms to your health and that of others)
Back of cigarette packages: (Smoking shortens life) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (The Tobacco is very addictive, do not start) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart disease and stroke) (Smoking causes skin aging) (Help to stop smoking: consult your doctor or pharmacist) (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence)
(edit: tabaco = Tobcco not Snuff)
Front of cigarette packages: (Smoking kills.) (Tobacco causes serious harm to your health.) (Smoking while pregnant may harm your fetus.) (Smoking can lead to a slow and painful death.) (Smoking can impair the blood flow and causes impotence.) (Smoking seriously hurts you and people around you.) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.) (Protect the children. Don't let them inhale your tobacco smoke.)
Back of cigarette packages: (Smoking may damage the sperm and reduce fertility.)
Rear side of snus
packaging: (This tobacco product might cause harm to your health and is addictive.)
In 1991, the E.U tightened laws on tobacco warnings. "TOBACCO SERIOUSLY DAMAGES HEALTH" was printed on the front of all tobacco packs. An additional warning was also printed on the reverse of cigarette packs.
In 2003, new E.U regulations required one of the following general warnings must be displayed, covering at least 30% of the surface of the pack:
Additionally, one of the following additional warnings must be displayed, covering at least 40% of the surface of the pack:
From October 2008, all cigarette products manufactured must carry picture warnings to the reverse. Every pack must have one of these warnings by October 2009.
and tar
that is present in cigarette boxes in addition to graphics depicting different health problems caused by smoking in the size and ratio as prescribed by law. The warnings are to be published in both official languages, Traditional Chinese and English.
Warning begins with the phrase ' HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WARNING' and then one of the following in all caps. Smoking Causes Lung Cancer Smoking Kills Smoking Harms Your Family Smoking Causes Peripheral Vascular Diseases Smoking May Cause Impotence Smoking Can Accelerate Aging of Skin
In addition, any print advertisement must give minimum 20% coverage of the following warnings:
HKSAR GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING March- April SMOKING CAUSES CANCER
May- June SMOKING CAUSES HEART DISEASE
July- August SMOKING CAUSES LUNG CANCER
September- October SMOKING CAUSES RESPIRATORY DISEASES
November – December SMOKING HARMS YOUR CHILDREN
.
(Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking) (Smoking causes cancer) (Smoking is very harmful to you and those close to you) (Smoking blocks your arteries and causes coronary artery disease and stroke.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)) (Protect the children – Don't let them inhale tobacco smoke.)
and English
. The sale of tobacco products in the vicinity of educational institutions is prohibited, as is the smoking of cigarettes in public places.
The cigarette packs are now required to carry graphical health warnings. After years of wrangling, graphic health warnings (GHW) are now mandatory on tobacco products sold in India. The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules 2008 requiring GHW came into force on 31 May. All tobacco products are now required to display the graphic pictures, including pictures of diseased lungs, and health messages covering at least 40% of the pack, and the sellers must put the cigarette packs in such a way that the pictures on pack are clearly visible.
Text is written all in capital letters, surrounded by bold border.
Prior to 2005, there was only one warning on all Japanese cigarette packages. (For the good of your health, be careful not to smoke too much) (1972–1989) (Be careful not to smoke too much, as there is a risk of damaging your health) (1990–2005)
Since 2005, more than one general warning is printed on cigarette packaging.
On the front of cigarette packages: (Smoking is a cause of lung cancer. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about two to four times more likely than non-smokers to die of lung cancer.) (Smoking increases risk of myocardial infarction. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a heart attack.) (Smoking increases risk of stroke. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a stroke.) (Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of emphysema.)
On the back of cigarette packages: (Smoking during pregnancy
is a cause of preterm delivery and impaired fetal growth. According to epidemiological estimates, pregnant women who smoke have almost double the risk of low birth weight and three times the risk of premature birth than pregnant women who do not smoke. (For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health home page at www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/main.html.)) (Tobacco smoke adversely affects the health of people around you, especially infants, children and the elderly. When smoking, be careful not to inconvenience others.) (The degree may differ from person to person, but nicotine [in cigarettes] causes addiction to smoking.) (Smoking while underage heightens the addiction and damage to health caused by cigarettes. Never smoke, even if encouraged to by those around you.)
(Warning by the government of Malaysia, Smoking endangers health)
Starting 1 June 2009, The Malaysian government has decided to place graphic images on the cigarette packs to show the adverse long-term effects of excessive smoking replacing the general warning with text describing the graphic images printed in Malay (front) and English (back) explaining:
"Rokok penyebab ..." "Cigarette causes ..."
Graphic warning messages must consist 40% of the front of cigarette packages and 60% in the back. After the introduction of graphic images in Malaysian cigarette packaging, the branding of cigarettes as "light", "mild", etc. is forbidden.
Additional warnings (on the back of cigarette packages, covering at least 40% of the area, Helvetica font):
Regulated by “LEGE cu privire la tutun şi la articolele din tutun“ (Law on tobacco and tobacco articles) nr. 278-XVI from 14.12.2007 enabled at 07.03.2008
Cigarette packets in Transnistria have variable warning labels, depending from where they come from (English, Russian...)
By law, 30% of the pack's front and 90% of the pack's rear must consist of graphic warning messages. Images include gangrenous toes (pictured), rotting teeth and gums, diseased lungs and smoking-damaged hearts. Cigarette packets also carry the Quitline
logo and phone number and other information about quitting smoking.
In total there are 14 different warnings. A full list with pictures is available at the New Zealand Ministry of Health's website. Warning messages are rotated annually with 7 being printed in equal quantities one year, and the other 7 messages the next. Following is a list of the warnings in English, however each message also shows a small Māori
language translation.
On the front of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 30% of the area: (Smoking kills) (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
On the back of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 45% of the area: (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin) (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility) (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking) (Get help to stop smoking – call the Quitline: 800 400 85) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking when pregnant harms your baby) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
Tobacco products like snus
and chewing tobacco
have the following warning printed on them: (This tobacco product may be a health hazard, and is addictive)
Each health warning will be printed for a period of 6 months. The health warnings are to be in Urdu and in English. Here are the English versions:
1. WARNING: Protect children. Do not let them breath your smoke. Ministry of Health.
2. WARNING: Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer. Ministry of Health.
3. WARNING: Quit smoking; live longer life. Ministry of Health.
4. WARNING: Smoking severely harms you and the people around you. Ministry of Health.
The warnings shall cover at least 30% on both sides of the packet, and located at the top portions of the face (in Urdu) and back (in English) of the packet.
Warning messages on Russian cigarette packets may be revised in future, falling in line with European Union standards.
Note: 12 different variants.
In 2006, the images and warnings were revised, with images focusing on damaged organs. The following warnings shows what is printed nowadays.
From 1 January 2009, people possessing cigarettes without the SDPC (Singapore Duty Paid Cigarettes) label will be committing an offence under the Customs and GST Acts. The law was passed to distinguish non-duty paid, contraband cigarettes from duty-paid ones.
or Italian. The three warning messages below are posted on cigarette pack
ets, cartons and advertisements such as outdoor billboard
posters: Fumer tue. (Smoking kills.) Rauchen tötet. (Smoking kills.) Il Fumo uccide. (Smoking kills.)
brands, Royals and Pall Mall.
or
Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and paralysis.) (Smoking causes lethal lung cancer) (Smoking while pregnant will harm the baby) (Protect your children, don't let them breathe your smoke.) (Health agencies can help you quit smoking) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (To quit smoking ask for help from your doctor and ...) (Smoking will slow the blood flow and cause impotence) (Smoking causes early ageing of the skin) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility) (Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens such as benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Though the United States started the trend of labeling cigarette packages with health warnings, today the country has one of the smallest, least prominent warnings placed on their packages. Warnings are usually in small typeface placed along one of the sides of the cigarette packs with colors and fonts that closely resemble the rest of the package, so the warnings essentially are integrated and do not stand out with the rest of the cigarette package.
However, this is subject to change as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
of 2009 requires color graphics with supplemental text that depicts the negative consequences of smoking to cover 50 percent of the front and rear of each pack. The nine new graphic warning labels were announced by the FDA in June 2011 and are required to appear on packaging by September 2012.
In August 2011, five tobacco companies have filed a lawsuit against the FDA in an effort to reverse the new warning mandate. Tobacco companies claim that being required to promote government anti-smoking campaigns by placing the new warnings on packaging violates the companies' free speech rights. Additionally, R.J. Reynolds
, Lorillard, Commonwealth Brands Inc., Liggett Group LLC and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company
Inc. claim that the graphic labels are an unconstitutional way of forcing tobacco companies to engage in anti-smoking advocacy on the government's behalf.
A First Amendment lawyer, Floyd Abrams
, is representing the tobacco companies in the case, contending requiring graphic warning labels on a lawful product cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny. The Association of National Advertisers and the American Advertising Federation have also filed a brief in the suit, arguing that the labels infringe on commercial free speech and could lead to further government intrusion if left unchallenged. In November 2011, Federal judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia temporarily halted the new labels, likely delaying the requirement that tobacco companies display the labels. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately could decide the matter.
Stronger warning labels started to appear in May 2010
The new warnings are required to comprise 30 percent of two principal display panels on the packaging; on advertisements, the health warnings must constitute 20 percent of the total area.
"" (It has been determined that cigarette smoking is harmful to your health, Cigarette Tax Law) Since September 14 1978
On March 24 2005, another warning was introduced in every cigarette pack: "Este producto contiene alquitrán, nicotina y monóxido de carbono, los cuales son cancerígenos y tóxicos. No existen niveles seguros para el consumo de estas sustancias"(This product contains tar
, nicotine
and carbon monoxide
, which are carcinogenic and toxic. There are no safe levels for consumption of these substances".
1978's warning, was not removed, now every cigarette pack contains both warnings (one on each lateral).
In addition, since March 24 2005, one of the following warnings is randomly printed very prominently, along with a graphical image, occupying the 100% of the back of the pack (40% for the text warning and 60% for the image):
(This product is hazardous to your health and is addictive) View image (Smoking causes bad breath, tooth decay and mouth cancer) view image (Smoking causes lung cancer, coughing, pulmonar emphysema and chronic bronchitis), the picture is a comparison between a smoker´s lung (left) and a healthy lung (right) view image (Smoking causes heart failure, R.I.P. bearer, Killed by smoking) view image (Smoking while pregnant harms your baby) view image (Children start smoking when they see adults smoke) view image (Smoking cigarettes causes larynx cancer) view image (Smoking causes impotence in men) view image (Cigarette smoke also harms those who don't smoke) view image (take today your first step, quitting is possible) view image
Also, in Venezuela, tobacco advertising is strictly forbidden, so much so that the words tobacco, cigarette, cigar, etc. are not permitted in media such as radio and television and no one can smoke on television.
In the campaign called: "Venezuela 100% libre de humo" (Venezuela, 100% Smoke free), curiously, these warnings only appear on cigarette packs and not on other tobacco products (which only conserve the 1978's warning).
Cigarette pack
A pack or packet of cigarettes is a rectangular container, mostly of paperboard, which contains cigarettes. The pack is designed with a flavor-protective foil, paper or biodegradable plastic, and sealed through a transparent airtight plastic film. By pulling the "pull-tabs", the pack is opened...
s and other tobacco products
Tobacco products
After tobacco has been processed, it is used to produce a number of different products.- Chewing tobacco :Chewing is one of the oldest ways of consuming tobacco leaves. Native Americans in both North and South America chewed the fresh leaves of the plant, frequently mixed with lime. Modern chewing...
. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. Warnings for some countries are listed below. Such warnings have been commonplace in tobacco advertising
Tobacco advertising
Tobacco advertising is the advertising of tobacco products or use by the tobacco industry through a variety of media including sponsorship, particularly of sporting events. It is now one of the most highly regulated forms of marketing...
for many years.
Albania
Text-based warnings on cigarette packets are used in Albania.- Pirja e duhanit mund të vrasë (Smoking can kill)
- Pirja e duhanit ju dëmton ju dhe të tjerët rreth jush (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
- Duhanpirësit vdesin më të rinj (Smokers die younger)
- Duhanpirja bllokon arteriet dhe shkakton infarkt të zemrës ose hemorragji cerebrale (Smoking blocks the arteries and causing heart infarction or cerebral hemorrhage)
- Duhanpirja shkakton kancer në mushkëri (Smoking causes lung cancer)
- Duhanpirja gjatë shtatëzanisë dëmton fëmijën tuaj (Smoking during pregnancy harms your baby)
- Ruani fëmijët: mos i lini ata të thithin tymin tuaj (Protect children: do not let them breathe your smoke)
- Mjeku ose farmacisti juaj mund t'ju ndihmojë të lini duhanin (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you make tobacco)
- Duhanpirja shkakton varësi të fortë, mos e filloni atë (Smoking causes strong dependence, do not start it)
- Lënia e duhanit pakëson rrezikun e sëmundjeve vdekjeprurëse të zemrës dhe mushkërive (Leaving smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart disease and lung)
- Duhanpirja mund të shkaktojë një vdekje të ngadaltë dhe të dhimbshme (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.)
- Kërkoni ndihmë për të lënë duhanin: telefon 0 800 47 47; Sektori i abuzimit me substancat, Instituti i Shëndetit Publik: www.ishp.gov.al; konsultonhuni me mjekun/ farmacistin tuaj (Ask for help to quit smoking: telephone 0800 47 47; sector substance abuse, the Institute of Public Health: www.ishp.gov.al; consult your doctor / pharmacist)
- Duhanpirja mund të ngadalësojë rrjedhjen e gjakut dhe shkakton impotencë (Smoking can slow blood flow and causes impotence)
- Duhanpirja shkakton plakjen e fytyrës (Smoking causes facial aging)
- Duhani përmban benzen, nitrosaminë, formalinë dhe cianid hidrogjeni (Smoking contains benzene, nitrosamines, formalin and hydrogen cyanide)
- Pirja e duhanit shkakton sëmundje të zemrës (Smoking causes heart disease)
- Duhanpirja mund të dëmtojë spermën dhe ul pjellorinë (Smoking can damage sperm and decreases fitness)
- Duhani dëmton rëndë shëndetin (Smoking seriously harms health)
Argentina
General warning:Australia
In 1973 Australia's first health warning on cigarette packages appeared with the simple message 'Warning—Smoking is a health hazard'. Since 1 March 2006, graphic images depicting the effects of smoking cigarettes have been required to be displayed on cigarette packets. Warnings must cover 30% of the front and 90% of the back of the box. The 10% of the back not occupied by a warning is used for the message "Sale to underage persons prohibited".For cigarette packets, warnings include:
- Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease
- Smoking causes emphysema
- Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer
- Smoking clogs your arteries
- Don't let children breathe your smoke
- Smoking – A leading cause of death
- Quitting will improve your health
- Smoking harms unborn babies
- Smoking causes blindness
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Smoking causes heart disease
- Smoking doubles your risk of stroke
- Smoking is addictive
- Tobacco smoke is toxic
Warning posters
With each warning is an accompanying graphic, and detailed information on the back of the packet. In addition, cigar and loose tobacco packets show other, slightly altered warnings. These warnings target the misconception that alternative, non-cigarette tobacco products are less harmful.
Australian cigarette packaging laws also prohibit the use of terms such as 'light', 'mild', 'extra mild', etc. The three major Australian tobacco manufacturers agreed to stop using these terms, after investigation of complaints of misleading and deceptive terms were made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2005. This has assisted in counteracting the belief that some cigarette varieties are less harmful than others. To the same effect, while the carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar content of particular brands of cigarettes used to be mandated, the display and/or advertisement these figures is now prohibited under the government's "All Cigarettes are Toxic" campaign.
From 1 January 2012, all forms of branding logos, colours, and promotional texts will be banned from cigarette pack designs. The requirement is for plain cigarette packaging
Plain cigarette packaging
Plain cigarette packaging is Australian legislation that requires cigarettes to be sold in plain packages throughout the country from December 2012. Branding and advertising will be replaced by logo-free, drab dark brown packaging with health warnings...
showing only brand name and health warning messages.
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, cigarette packages carry a small notice: "Ministry of Health warns: Smoking is dangerous for your health", but this is usually printed in light and small fonts, and the first part of the message is not always visible.Bosnia and Herzegovina
A small warning with the text Pušenje je štetno za zdravlje (Smoking is harmful to health) is printed on the back of cigarette packets.Brazil
Brazil was the second country in the world and the first country in Latin America to adopt mandatory warning images in cigarette packages. Warnings and graphic images illustrating the risks of smoking occupy 100% of the back of cigarettes boxes since 2001. In 2008, the government elected a third batch of images, aimed at younger smokers.Since 2003, the sentence "Este produto contém mais de 4,7 mil substâncias tóxicas, e nicotina que causa dependência física ou psíquica. Não existem níveis seguros para consumo dessas substâncias" (This product contains over 4700 toxic substances and nicotine, which causes physical or psychological addiction. There are no safe levels for the intake of these substances.) is displayed in all packs.
In addition to the above sentence, the message O Ministério da Saúde adverte: ... (The Health Ministry warns: ...), followed by one of the many known risks of smoking, is shown on one of the sides. The same introduction, followed by a warning, was spoken after TV commercial advertisements; and even now that cigarette ads are no longer allowed, it retains great popularity and is used in a number of different contexts, health-related or not.
Canada
The Canadian Tobacco Act requires warnings to be printed in English and French, on all tobacco products sold legally in Canada. The current set of 15 warnings was introduced in 2000, replacing older versions from 1994. A Health CanadaHealth Canada
Health Canada is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health.The current Minister of Health is Leona Aglukkaq, a Conservative Member of Parliament appointed to the position by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.-Branches, regions and agencies:Health Canada...
warning is printed randomly on all tobacco product packaging sold legally in Canada, and is required to take up at least 50% of the visible surface of all tobacco product packaging sold legally in Canada. Imported cigarettes to be sold in Canada which do not have the warnings are affixed with sticker versions when they are sold legally in Canada. A recent government announcement stated that the warning is to be increased to 75% of the visible surface with graphic images of the ill effects of cancer on health.
Each warning is printed along with a short explanation and is accompanied by a picture illustrating that particular warning, for example:
WARNING
CIGARETTES CAUSE LUNG CANCER
85% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.
80% of lung cancer victims die within three years.
accompanied by a picture of a human lung detailing cancerous growths.
Additionally, on the inside of the packaging or, for some packets, on a pull-out card, "health information messages" provide answers and explanations regarding common questions and concerns about quitting smoking and smoking-related illnesses. On the packaging (usually on the narrow side of a packet), a table details the approximate amount of toxic substances found in that particular brand of cigarette, for example (from B&H
Benson & Hedges
Benson & Hedges is a British brand of cigarettes owned by the Gallaher Group, which became a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco in 2007. They are registered in Old Bond Street in London, and are manufactured in Lisnafillen, Ballymena, Northern Ireland for the UK and Irish markets.-History:Benson & Hedges...
Belmont Milds brand):
"Toxic emissions / unit: Tar
Tar
Tar is modified pitch produced primarily from the wood and roots of pine by destructive distillation under pyrolysis. Production and trade in tar was a major contributor in the economies of Northern Europe and Colonial America. Its main use was in preserving wooden vessels against rot. The largest...
11 – 26 mg, Nicotine
Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants that constitutes approximately 0.6–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots and accumulation occurring in the leaves...
1.0 – 2.4 mg,
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
14 – 28 mg, Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2O. It is the simplest aldehyde, hence its systematic name methanal.Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odor. It is an important precursor to many other chemical compounds, especially for polymers...
0.057 mg – 0.14 mg,
Hydrogen cyanide 0.10 – 0.22 mg, Benzene
Benzene
Benzene is an organic chemical compound. It is composed of 6 carbon atoms in a ring, with 1 hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom, with the molecular formula C6H6....
0.028 – 0.067 mg"
In accordance with Canadian law regarding products sold legally in Canada, the warnings are provided in both English and French.
Health Canada is also considering laws mandating plain packaging, in which legal tobacco product packaging would be black and white and labelled solely with simple unadorned text, as well as outlawing descriptive terms such as "Light" and "Mild", which Health Canada argues are deceptive to consumers and encourage them to falsely believe that these brands of cigarettes are less likely to cause illness or addiction.
There have been several complaints from Canadians due to the graphic nature of some of the labels, such as the rotting teeth to show the damage which occurs to the teeth.
Further information on tobacco product labelling in Canada, see Health Canada's website. For historical data, photos, and other info see Health Non-Smoker's Rights Association website.
Chile
Starting in November 2006, all cigarette packages sold in Chile are required to have one of two health warnings, a graphic pictorial warning or a text-only warning. These warnings are replaced with a new set of two warnings each year.China (People's Republic)
Under laws of the People's Republic of China, "Law on Tobacco Monopoly" (中华人民共和国烟草专卖法) Chapter 4 Article 18 and "Regulations for the Implementation of the Law on Tobacco Monopoly" (中华人民共和国烟草专卖法实施条例) Chapter 5 Article 29, cigarettes and cigars sold within the territory of China should indicate the grade of tar content and "Smoking is hazardous to your health" (吸烟有害健康) in the Chinese language on the packs and cartons.Taiwan (Republic of China)
The warnings in the Taiwan are led by the phrase "Warning from the Department of Health, Executive Yuan:" (行政院衛生署警告), and followed by one of the following warnings:- 吸菸有害健康 (Smoking is hazardous to your health)
- 孕婦吸菸易導致胎兒早產及體重不足 (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancyTobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
can cause premature death and underweight birth) - 抽菸會導致肺癌﹑心臟病﹑氣腫及與懷孕有關的問題 (Smoking can cause lung cancer, heart diseases, emphysema and pregnancy-related problems)
- 吸菸害人害己 (Smoking hurts yourself, and hurts others)
- 懷孕婦女吸菸可能傷害胎兒，導致早產及體重不足 (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancyTobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
might damage the fetus, and can cause premature death and underweight birth) - 戒菸可減少健康的危害 (Quitting smoking can reduce health risk) – no longer used.
Croatia
The text warnings in Croatia are similar to European Union specifications.Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):
or
Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface):
- Pušači umiru mlađi (Smokers die younger)
- Pušenje uzrokuje začepljenje arterija i uzrokuje srčani i moždani udar (Smoking clogs your arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Pušenje uzrokuje smrtonosan rak pluća (Smoking causes lethal lung cancer)
- Pušenje u trudnoći šteti vašem djetetu (Smoking while pregnant harms your child)
- Zaštitite djecu od udisanja vašeg cigaretnog dima (Protect children from inhaling your cigarette smoke)
- Vaš liječnik ili ljekarnik može vam pomoći prestati pušiti (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Pušenje stvara izrazitu ovisnost, nemojte ni počinjati (Smoking is highly addictive, don't even start)
- Prestanak pušenja umanjuje rizik smrtnih srčanih ili plućnih bolesti (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart and lung diseases)
- Pušenje može izazvati polaganu i bolnu smrt (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Potražite pomoć za prestanak pušenja /savjetujte se sa svojim liječnikom/ljekarnikom) (Get help to stop smoking /consult with your doctor/pharmacist)
- Pušenje može usporiti krvotok i prouzročiti impotenciju (Smoking can slow down blood circulation and cause impotence)
- Pušenje uzrokuje starenje kože (Smoking causes aging of the skin)
- Pušenje može oštetiti spermu i smanjiti plodnost (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility)
- Dim sadrži benzene, nitrozamine, formaldehide i ugljikove cijanide (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanides*)
The last warning contains a mistranslation from Directive 2001/37/EC – "hydrogen" was translated as ugljik (carbon) instead of vodik. It was nevertheless signed into law and started appearing on cigarette packages in March 2009.
Between 1997 and 2004, a simple text label (Pušenje je štetno za zdravlje, or Smoking is harmful to health) warning was used.
2004–2009
Front of packaging:
- Pušenje šteti Vašem zdravlju (Smoking harms your health)
Back of packaging:
- Pušenje uzrokuje rak (Smoking causes cancer)
- Pušenje u trudnoći šteti i razvoju djeteta (Smoking while pregnant harms the child's development)
- Pušenje uzrokuje srčani i moždani udar (Smoking causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Pušenje skraćuje život (Smoking shortens your life)
European Union
Cigarette packets and other tobacco packaging must include warnings in the same size and format and using the same approved texts (in the appropriate local languages) in all member states of the European Union.These warnings are displayed in black Helvetica
Helvetica
Helvetica is a widely used sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss typeface designer Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann.-Visual distinctive characteristics:Characteristics of this typeface are:lower case:square dot over the letter i....
bold on a white background with a thick black border. Ireland prefaces its warnings with "Irish Government Warning", and Latvia with "Veselības ministrija brīdina" (Health Ministry Warning) and Spain with "Las Autoridades Sanitarias Advierten (The Health Board Warns). In member states with more than one official language, the warnings are displayed in all languages, with the sizes adjusted accordingly (for example in Belgium the messages are written in Dutch, French and German, in Luxembourg in French and German and in Ireland, in Irish and English). All cigarette packets sold in the European Union must display the content of nicotine
Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants that constitutes approximately 0.6–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots and accumulation occurring in the leaves...
, tar
Tar
Tar is modified pitch produced primarily from the wood and roots of pine by destructive distillation under pyrolysis. Production and trade in tar was a major contributor in the economies of Northern Europe and Colonial America. Its main use was in preserving wooden vessels against rot. The largest...
, and carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
in the same manner on the side of the packet.
In 2003, it was reported that sales of cigarette case
Cigarette case
A cigarette case or cigarette box is a sturdy, most commonly metal container to store small numbers of cigarettes safely from crushing. In modern times they are also made of plastic....
s had surged, attributable to the introduction of more prominent warning labels on cigarette pack
Cigarette pack
A pack or packet of cigarettes is a rectangular container, mostly of paperboard, which contains cigarettes. The pack is designed with a flavor-protective foil, paper or biodegradable plastic, and sealed through a transparent airtight plastic film. By pulling the "pull-tabs", the pack is opened...
s by an EU directive in January 2003. Alternatively, people choose to hide the warnings using various funny stickers, such as "You could be hit by a bus tomorrow."
Austria and Germany
- General warnings:
- Rauchen fügt Ihnen und den Menschen in Ihrer Umgebung erheblichen Schaden zu. – Smoking severely harms you and the people around you.
- Additional warnings:
- Raucher sterben früher – Smokers die sooner.
- Rauchen führt zur Verstopfung der Arterien und verursacht Herzinfarkte und Schlaganfälle. – Smoking leads to clogging of arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.
- Rauchen verursacht tödlichen Lungenkrebs. – Smoking causes lethal lung cancer.
- Rauchen in der Schwangerschaft schadet Ihrem Kind – Smoking while pregnant harms your child.
- Schützen Sie Kinder – lassen Sie sie nicht Ihren Tabakrauch einatmen! – Protect children – don't let them breathe your tobacco smoke!
- Ihr Arzt oder Apotheker kann Ihnen dabei helfen, das Rauchen aufzugeben. – Your doctor or pharmacist can help you to give up smoking.
- Rauchen macht sehr schnell abhängig: Fangen Sie gar nicht erst an! – Smoking is very quickly addictive: Don't start in the first place!
- Wer das Rauchen aufgibt, verringert das Risiko tödlicher Herz- und Lungenerkrankungen – Giving up smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.
- Rauchen kann zu einem langsamen und schmerzhaften Tod führen – Smoking can lead to a slow and painful death.
- Rauchen kann zu Durchblutungsstörungen führen und verursacht Impotenz – Smoking can lead to blood circulation disorders and causes impotence.
- Rauchen lässt Ihre Haut altern – Smoking makes your skin age.
- Rauchen kann die Spermatozoen schädigen und schränkt die Fruchtbarkeit ein – Smoking can damage sperm and decreases your fertility.
- Rauch enthält Benzol, Nitrosamine, Formaldehyd und Blausäure – Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
Cyprus
Front sideor
Back side (Smokers die younger.) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes terminal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy may harm your baby.) (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.) (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence.) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility.) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Czech Republic
- Kouření vážně škodí Vám i lidem ve Vašem okolí. (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
- Kuřáci umírají předčasně. (Smokers die younger)
- Kouření ucpává tepny a způsobuje infarkt a mrtvici. (Smoking clogs the blood vessels and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Kouření způsobuje smrtelnou rakovinu plic. (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer)
- Kouření je vysoce návykové, nezačínejte s ním. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start)
- Přestat kouřit, znamená snížit riziko vzniku smrtelných onemocnění srdce a plic. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart and lung diseases)
- Kouření může způsobit pomalou a bolestivou smrt. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Kouření způsobuje stárnutí kůže. (Smoking causes ageing of the skin)
- Kouření může poškodit sperma a snižuje plodnost. (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility)
- Kouření může snižovat krevní oběh a způsobuje neplodnost. (Smoking can reduce blood flow and cause impotence)
- Kouř obsahuje benzen, nitrosaminy, formaldehyd a kyanovodík. (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanides)
- Kouření v těhotenství škodí zdraví Vašeho dítěte. (Smoking while pregnant harms your child)
- Chraňte děti: nenuťte je vdechovat Váš kouř. (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke)
- Váš lékař nebo lékárník Vám může pomoci přestat s kouřením. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Získejte pomoc při odvykání kouření. (Seek help to stop smoking)
Denmark
Warning texts in tobacco products, health warnings, which are reproduced on the packaging of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is implemented in an effort to strengthen public knowledge about the dangers of smoking.The order was introduced in Denmark on 31 December 1991. The Order was last revised on 2 October 2003, which also imposed ban on the words "light" and "mild" on Danish cigarette packages, as did European Union countries.
The marking shall appear on one third of the most visible part of the package.
(Smoking seriously harms you and others around you) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (If you are pregnant, smoking damages your child's health) (Protect children from tobacco smoke – they have the right to choose) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking) (Smoking is highly addictive, do not start) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Get help to quit smoking: Telephone number 80313131) (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence) (Smoking causes aging of the skin) (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
For smokeless tobacco use above markings does not, whereas the label "" (This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive) is always used for such products.
Finland
In Finland, warning signs are written in both Finnish and Swedish languages.- Tupakointi vahingoittaa vakavasti sinua ja ympärilläsi olevia / Rökning skadar allvarligt dig själv och personer i din omgivning (Smoking severely harms you and those around you)
- Tupakoivat kuolevat nuorempina / Rökare dör i förtid (Smokers die younger)
- Tupakointi tukkii verisuonet sekä aiheuttaa sydänkohtauksia ja aivoveritulppia / Rökning ger förträngningar i blodkärlen och orsakar hjärtinfarkt och stroke (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa keuhkosyöpää, joka johtaa kuolemaan / Rökning orsakar dödlig lungcancer (Smoking causes lung cancer, which leads to death / Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Tupakointi raskauden aikana vahingoittaa lastasi / Rökning under graviditeten skadar ditt barn (Smoking during pregnancy harms your child)
- Suojele lapsia ― älä pakota heitä hengittämään tupakansavua / Skydda barnen ― låt dem inte andas in din tobaksrök (Protect children ― don't force them to breathe tobacco smoke / Protect children ― don't make them breathe your smoke)
- Lääkäriltä tai apteekista saat apua tupakoinnin lopettamiseen / Din läkare eller ditt apotek kan hjälpa dig att sluta röka (You receive help to stop smoking from a doctor or a pharmacy / Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa voimakasta riippuvuutta. Älä aloita / Rökning är mycket beroendeframkallande. Börja inte rök (Smoking causes powerful addiction. Don't start / Smoking is highly addictive. Don't start)
- Lopettamalla tupakoinnin vähennät vaaraa sairastua kuolemaan johtaviin sydän- ja keuhkosairauksiin / Om du slutar röka löper du mindre risk att få dödliga hjärt- och lungsjukdomar (By stopping smoking you reduce the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases / Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Tupakointi voi aiheuttaa hitaan ja tuskallisen kuoleman / Rökning kan leda till en långsam och smärtsam död (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Pyydä apua tupakoinnin lopettamiseen: puh. 0800 148 484 / Sök hjälp för att sluta röka: tfn 0800 148 484 (Request help to stop smoking: phone 0800 148 484 / Get help to stop smoking: phone 0800 148 484)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa impotenssia ja voi heikentää verenkiertoa / Rökning kan försämra blodflödet och orsakar impotens (Smoking causes impotence and may reduce the blood flow / Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence)
- Tupakointi vanhentaa ihoa / Rökning får din hy att åldras (Smoking ages the skin / Smoking causes ageing of the skin)
- Tupakointi voi vahingoittaa siittiöitä ja vähentää hedelmällisyyttä / Rökning kan skada sperman och minskar fruktsamheten (Smoking can damage the sperm and decrease fertility / Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility)
- Savu sisältää bentseeniä, nitrosamiineja, formaldehydiä ja vetysyanidia / Rök innehåller bensen, nitrosaminer, formaldehyd och cyanväte (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
France
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface)or
Rear of packaging (covers 40% of surface, similar design) (Smokers die prematurely.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy
Smoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
harms your child's health.) (Protect your children: don't make them breathe your smoke.) (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.) (Help yourself quit smoking: call 0 825 309 310) (Smoking can cause low blood pressure and impotence.) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.))
Left or right side of packaging
- Components percentages (15% of surface, small prints): Tobacco – Cigarette paper – Flavor and texture agents
- ISO yields of toxics in mg/cigarette (in prominent black on white square and bold letters): Tar – Nicotin – Carbon monoxide
Other side of packaging
- Country of manufacturing, name of manufacturer, quantity
- Product identifier (EAN-7 bar code)
Other characteristics
- Small print: "" (sales in France)
- Recyclable logo (for the packaging)
- Words forbidden in the displayed product name: light, ultra-light, légere, or any indication that may indicate that this is a minor drug with low impact... (These branding words have been replaced by various colour names)
Greece
(Smoking can kill) (Smoking seriously harms the smoker and the ones around him) (Smoking seriously harms you and the ones around you) (Smokers die prematurely) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancers) (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
can harm the health of your baby) (Protect the children: don't make them breathe your smoke) (Your physician or pharmacist can help you to quit smoking) (Smoking is very addictive; don't start with it) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor) (Smoking can reduce blood circulation and cause impotence) (Smoking causes premature skin aging) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility) (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
Hungary
(Smokers die earlier.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart diseases and strokes.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
harms the baby.) (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.) (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.) (Smoking ages the skin.) (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.) (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid.)
Ireland
The Republic of Ireland currently follows EU standards (see above), but previously ran its own scheme, where one of 8 messages was placed on the pack, as defined in SIStatutory Instrument
A Statutory Instrument is the principal form in which delegated or secondary legislation is made in Great Britain.Statutory Instruments are governed by the Statutory Instruments Act 1946. They replaced Statutory Rules and Orders, made under the Rules Publication Act 1893, in 1948.Most delegated...
326/1991.
After a high court settlement in January 2008, it was accepted that the warnings on tobacco products must appear in all official languages of the state. As a result, the European Communities (Manufacture, Presentation
and Sale of Tobacco Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 were enacted. This states that tobacco products going to market after 30 September 2008 must carry warnings in Irish and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. A year long transition period applies to products which were on the market prior to 1 October 2008, which may be sold until 1 October 2009.
Each packet of tobacco products must carry:
- One of the following general warnings (in both the Irish and English languages) which must cover at least 32% of the external side.
- Toradh caithimh tobac – bás – Smoking kills
- Déanann caitheamh tobac díobháil thromchúiseach duit agus do na daoine mórthimpeall ort – Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
- AND One of the following additional warnings (in both the Irish and English languages) which must cover at least 45% of the external side.
- Giorrú saoil tobac a chaitheamh – Smokers die younger
- Nuair a chaitear tobac, tachtar na hartairí agus is é cúis le taomanna croí agus strócanna – Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes
- Caitheamh tobac is cúis le hailse scamhóg mharfach – Smoking causes fatal lung cancer
- Má chaitheann tú tobac le linn toirchis, déantar díobháil don leanbán – Smoking when pregnant harms your baby
- Cosain leanaí: ná cuir iallach orthu do chuid deataigh a análú – Protect children: don’t make them breathe your smoke
- Féadann do dhochtúir nó do chógaiseoir cabhrú leat éirí as caitheamh tobac Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking
- Is éasca a bheith tugtha do chaitheamh tobac, ná tosaigh leis – Smoking is highly addictive, don’t start
- Má éiríonn tú as tobac a chaitheamh laghdaítear an riosca de ghalair mharfacha chroí agus scamhóg – Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases
- Féadann caitheamh tobac bheith ina chúis le bás mall pianmhar – Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Faigh cúnamh chun éirí as caitheamh tobac: Íosghlao Stoplíne 1850 201 203 – Get help to stop smoking: Callsave Quitline 1850 201 203
- Féadfaidh caitheamh tobac imshruthúfola a laghdú agus bheith ina chúis le héagumas – Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence
- Caitheamh tobac is cúis le críonadh craicinn – Smoking causes ageing of the skin
- Féadann caitheamh tobac dochar a dhéanamh don speirm agus laghdaíonn sé torthúlacht – Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility
- Cuimsíonn deatach beinséin, nítreasaimíní, formaildéad agus ciainíd hidrigine – Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
- In the case of Smokeless Tobacco Products, only the following warning must be displayed:
- Féadann an táirge tobac seo dochar a dhéanamh do shláinte agus is táirge andúile é – This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive
Italy
/ (Smoking kills / Smoking may kill) (Smoking heavily damages you and whoever is near you) (Smokers die early.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart diseases and strokes) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
harms the baby.) (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.) (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.) (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.) (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.) (Smoking causes oral cancer.) (Let us help you quit smoking.) (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.) (Smoking ages the skin.) (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.) (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid)
Other text is sometimes placed in the packets, for example some packets contain leaflets which have all the above warnings written on them, with more detailed explanations and reasons to give up, and advice from Philip Morris
Philip Morris International
Philip Morris International is an international tobacco company, with products sold in over 160 countries. In 2007, it held a 15.6% share of the international cigarette market outside of the USA and reported revenues net of excise taxes of $22.8 billion and operating income of $8.9 billion.Until...
.
Latvia
(Smoking seriously threatens you and the people around you) (Smoking causes incurable lung cancer) (Your family doctor and pharmacist can help you quit smoking) (Smokers die young) (Protect children: don't make them breathe tobacco smoke) (Smoking during pregnancy harms your baby) (Smoking creates clots in arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)Malta
- Twissija mid-Dipartiment tas-Saħħa: PERIKLU – (DANGER – Health Department – Warning)
- It-tipjip joqtol – (Smoking kills)
- Min ipejjep imut żgħir – (Smokers die younger)
- It-tipjip isodd l-arterji u jġib l-attakki tal-qalb u l-puplesiji – (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- It-tipjip jagħmel kanċer fil-pulmun – (Smoking causes fatal lung cancers)
- Jekk tpejjep waqt it-tqala tagħmel ħsara lit-tarbija tiegħek – (Smoking when pregnant harms your baby)
- Ipproteġi lit-tfal: iġġelhomx jibilgħu d-duħħan tas-sigaretti tiegħek – (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke)
- It-tabib Jew l-ispiżjar jgħinuk biex tieqaf tpejjep – (Your doctor and your pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- It-tipjip huwa vizzju, tibdiex tpejjep – (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start)
- Jekk tieqaf tpejjep tnaqas ir-riskju ta' attakki tal-qalb u mard tal-pulmun – (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- It-tipjip jista' jwassal għal agunija fit-tul u ħafna uġiegħ – (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Itlob l-għajnuna biex tieqaf tpejjep – 21231247 – (Get help to stop smoking – 21231247)
- It-tipjip inaqqas iċ-ċirkulazzjoni tad-demm u jista' jwassal għall-impotenza – (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and causes impotence)
- It-tipjip ixejjħek – (Smoking causes aging of the skin)
- It-tipjip jista' jagħmel ħsara lill-isperma u jnaqqas il-fertilità – (Smoking can damage the sperm and decrease fertility)
- Id-duħħan fih il-benżene, in-nitrosamini, il-formaldehyde, u l-idroġen cyanide – (Smokes contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
The Netherlands
(Smoking is deadly) (Smoking causes impotence) (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer) (Tobacco smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogencyanide ) (Your physician or pharmacist can help you to quit smoking) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking causes clogging of the blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes) (Smoking during pregnancySmoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
harms your baby) (Protect children: don't let them breath your smoke) (Smoking is very addictive; don't start with it) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart- and lung diseases) (Smoking can lead to a slow, painful death) (Smoking ages your skin) (Smoking can damage the sperm and reduces the fertility) (Smoking causes serious damage to you and those around you)
Poland
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):| (Smoking kills) |
or
| szkodzi Tobie i osobom w Twoim otoczeniu(Smoking seriously harms you and others around you) |
There are also warnings on the back of every packet.
Portugal
(Smoking kills) (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer) (Smoking causes high dependency. Don't start smoking.) (Smoking causes premature skin aging) (Smoking greatly harms your health, and the health of those around you) (If you're pregnant: Smoking harms your child's health) (Smokers die prematurely) (Smoking blocks your arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Smoking might reduce the blood flow and causes impotence) (Ceasing to smoke reduces the risks of deadly cardiovascular and pulmonar diseases)Slovenia
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface)| (Smoking kills) |
or
| (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you) |
Rear of packaging (covers 40% of surface) (Smokers die younger.) (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.) (Smoking during pregnancy
Smoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
harms your child.) (Protect your children from breathing your cigarette smoke.) (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.) (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.) (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.) (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor.) (Smoking can reduce blood circulation and cause impotence.) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.) (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.))
Spain
In Spain, cigarette packages are preceded by warnings on both sides of the package marked "Las Autoridades Sanitarias advierten" (Health authorities warn), written in black and white above the black part of the standard warning.Front of cigarette packages: (Smoking can kill) (changed in 2010 to "Fumar mata"
Back of cigarette packages: (Smoking shortens life) (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (The Tobacco is very addictive, do not start) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart disease and stroke) (Smoking causes skin aging) (Help to stop smoking: consult your doctor or pharmacist) (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence)
(edit: tabaco = Tobcco not Snuff)
Sweden
General warning on all Swedish cigarette packaging are in force since 1977.Front of cigarette packages: (Smoking kills.) (Tobacco causes serious harm to your health.) (Smoking while pregnant may harm your fetus.) (Smoking can lead to a slow and painful death.) (Smoking can impair the blood flow and causes impotence.) (Smoking seriously hurts you and people around you.) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.) (Protect the children. Don't let them inhale your tobacco smoke.)
Back of cigarette packages: (Smoking may damage the sperm and reduce fertility.)
Rear side of snus
Snus
Snus , or Swedish snuff, is a moist powder tobacco product originated from a variant of dry snuff in the early 19th century in Sweden, consumed by placing it under the lip for extended periods of time. The precursor of snus, the dry form of snuff inhaled through the nose, was introduced in Europe...
packaging: (This tobacco product might cause harm to your health and is addictive.)
United Kingdom
In 1971, tobacco companies printed on the left side of cigarette packets "WARNING by H.M. Government, SMOKING CAN DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH".In 1991, the E.U tightened laws on tobacco warnings. "TOBACCO SERIOUSLY DAMAGES HEALTH" was printed on the front of all tobacco packs. An additional warning was also printed on the reverse of cigarette packs.
- Smoking kills
- Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
Additionally, one of the following additional warnings must be displayed, covering at least 40% of the surface of the pack:
- Smokers die younger
- Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes
- Smoking causes fatal lung cancer
- Smoking when pregnant harms your baby
- Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke
- Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking
- Smoking is highly addictive, don't start
- Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases
- Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Get help to stop smoking: [telephone]/[postal address]/[internet address]/consult your doctor/pharmacist
- Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence
- Smoking causes ageing of the skin
- Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility
- Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
From October 2008, all cigarette products manufactured must carry picture warnings to the reverse. Every pack must have one of these warnings by October 2009.
Hong Kong
Under Hong Kong Law, Chap 371B Smoking (Public Health) (Notices) Order, packaging must indicate the amount of nicotineNicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants that constitutes approximately 0.6–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots and accumulation occurring in the leaves...
and tar
Tar
Tar is modified pitch produced primarily from the wood and roots of pine by destructive distillation under pyrolysis. Production and trade in tar was a major contributor in the economies of Northern Europe and Colonial America. Its main use was in preserving wooden vessels against rot. The largest...
that is present in cigarette boxes in addition to graphics depicting different health problems caused by smoking in the size and ratio as prescribed by law. The warnings are to be published in both official languages, Traditional Chinese and English.
Warning begins with the phrase ' HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WARNING' and then one of the following in all caps. Smoking Causes Lung Cancer Smoking Kills Smoking Harms Your Family Smoking Causes Peripheral Vascular Diseases Smoking May Cause Impotence Smoking Can Accelerate Aging of Skin
In addition, any print advertisement must give minimum 20% coverage of the following warnings:
HKSAR GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
Iceland
All cigarette packets and other tobacco packaging in Iceland must include warnings in the same size and format as in the European Union and using the same approved texts in IcelandicIcelandic language
Icelandic is a North Germanic language, the main language of Iceland. Its closest relative is Faroese.Icelandic is an Indo-European language belonging to the North Germanic or Nordic branch of the Germanic languages. Historically, it was the westernmost of the Indo-European languages prior to the...
.
| (Smoking kills) |
India
Cigarette packets sold in India are required to carry pictorial warnings along with the text CIGARETTE SMOKING IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH and SMOKING CAUSES CANCER in both HindiHindi
Standard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. The sale of tobacco products in the vicinity of educational institutions is prohibited, as is the smoking of cigarettes in public places.
The cigarette packs are now required to carry graphical health warnings. After years of wrangling, graphic health warnings (GHW) are now mandatory on tobacco products sold in India. The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules 2008 requiring GHW came into force on 31 May. All tobacco products are now required to display the graphic pictures, including pictures of diseased lungs, and health messages covering at least 40% of the pack, and the sellers must put the cigarette packs in such a way that the pictures on pack are clearly visible.
Indonesia
Cigarette Advertising on the Television and the Cigarette packets sold in Indonesia are required to carry general warnings.| (Smoking can cause cancer, heart attack, impotency and problems during pregnancy as well as affects the health of the newborn.) |
Text is written all in capital letters, surrounded by bold border.
Japan
Japan is the first country in Asia to enforce general warning on cigarette packaging, in force since 1972.Prior to 2005, there was only one warning on all Japanese cigarette packages. (For the good of your health, be careful not to smoke too much) (1972–1989) (Be careful not to smoke too much, as there is a risk of damaging your health) (1990–2005)
Since 2005, more than one general warning is printed on cigarette packaging.
On the front of cigarette packages: (Smoking is a cause of lung cancer. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about two to four times more likely than non-smokers to die of lung cancer.) (Smoking increases risk of myocardial infarction. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a heart attack.) (Smoking increases risk of stroke. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a stroke.) (Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of emphysema.)
On the back of cigarette packages: (Smoking during pregnancy
Smoking and pregnancy
Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other...
is a cause of preterm delivery and impaired fetal growth. According to epidemiological estimates, pregnant women who smoke have almost double the risk of low birth weight and three times the risk of premature birth than pregnant women who do not smoke. (For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health home page at www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/main.html.)) (Tobacco smoke adversely affects the health of people around you, especially infants, children and the elderly. When smoking, be careful not to inconvenience others.) (The degree may differ from person to person, but nicotine [in cigarettes] causes addiction to smoking.) (Smoking while underage heightens the addiction and damage to health caused by cigarettes. Never smoke, even if encouraged to by those around you.)
Malaysia
In Malaysia, general warning as a mandatory on all Malaysian cigarette packaging are in force since June 1976.(Warning by the government of Malaysia, Smoking endangers health)
Starting 1 June 2009, The Malaysian government has decided to place graphic images on the cigarette packs to show the adverse long-term effects of excessive smoking replacing the general warning with text describing the graphic images printed in Malay (front) and English (back) explaining:
"Rokok penyebab ..." "Cigarette causes ..."
Graphic warning messages must consist 40% of the front of cigarette packages and 60% in the back. After the introduction of graphic images in Malaysian cigarette packaging, the branding of cigarettes as "light", "mild", etc. is forbidden.
Moldova
General warning (on the front of cigarette packages, covering at least 30% of the area, Helvetica font):- “Fumatul ucide” or
- “Fumatul dăunează grav sănătăţii dumneavoastră şi a celor din jur”;
Additional warnings (on the back of cigarette packages, covering at least 40% of the area, Helvetica font):
- “Fumătorii mor mai tineri”;
- “Fumatul blochează arterele şi provoacă infarct miocardic şi accident vascular cerebral”;
- “Fumatul conduce la moarte de cancer pulmonar”;
- “Fumatul în timpul sarcinii dăunează copilului dumneavoastră”;
- “Protejaţi copiii dumneavoastră de inspirarea fumului de ţigaretă”;
- “Psihologul, profesorul sau medicul vă poate ajuta să renunţaţi la fumat”;
- “Fumatul creează dependenţă rapidă, nu încercaţi să fumaţi”;
- “Abandonarea fumatului reduce riscul de îmbolnăviri cardiace sau pulmonare fatale”;
- “Fumatul poate provoca o moarte lentă şi dureroasă”;
- “Fumatul reduce circulaţia sîngelui şi provoacă impotenţă”;
- “Fumatul provoacă îmbolnăvirea tenului (pielei)”;
- “Fumatul creează grave disfuncţii sexuale”
Regulated by “LEGE cu privire la tutun şi la articolele din tutun“ (Law on tobacco and tobacco articles) nr. 278-XVI from 14.12.2007 enabled at 07.03.2008
Cigarette packets in Transnistria have variable warning labels, depending from where they come from (English, Russian...)
New Zealand
The first health warnings appeared on cigarette packets in New Zealand in 1974. Warning images accompanying text have been required to appear on each packet since 28 February 2008.By law, 30% of the pack's front and 90% of the pack's rear must consist of graphic warning messages. Images include gangrenous toes (pictured), rotting teeth and gums, diseased lungs and smoking-damaged hearts. Cigarette packets also carry the Quitline
Quitline
Quitline is a telephone helpline offering treatment for addiction and behavior change/issues. Presently most quitlines treat tobacco or alcohol addiction...
logo and phone number and other information about quitting smoking.
In total there are 14 different warnings. A full list with pictures is available at the New Zealand Ministry of Health's website. Warning messages are rotated annually with 7 being printed in equal quantities one year, and the other 7 messages the next. Following is a list of the warnings in English, however each message also shows a small Māori
Maori language
Māori or te reo Māori , commonly te reo , is the language of the indigenous population of New Zealand, the Māori. It has the status of an official language in New Zealand...
language translation.
- Smoking causes gangrene
- Smoking causes blindness
- Smoking causes mouth cancer
- You are not the only one smoking this cigarette
- Over 80% of lung cancers are caused by smoking
- Tobacco smoke is poisonous
- Smoking causes heart attacks
- Smoking can make you impotent
- Smoking is highly addictive
- Smoking causes foul and offensive breath
- Your smoking can harm your kids
- Smoking causes serious lung diseases
- Smoking more than doubles your risk of stroke
- Smoking blocks your arteries
Norway
Norway have had general warnings on cigarette packets since 1975. Norway's warnings of today were introduced in 2003 and are in line with EU's legislation, as Norway is an EEA member:On the front of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 30% of the area: (Smoking kills) (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
On the back of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 45% of the area: (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking causes ageing of the skin) (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility) (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes) (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking) (Get help to stop smoking – call the Quitline: 800 400 85) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking when pregnant harms your baby) (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
Tobacco products like snus
Snus
Snus , or Swedish snuff, is a moist powder tobacco product originated from a variant of dry snuff in the early 19th century in Sweden, consumed by placing it under the lip for extended periods of time. The precursor of snus, the dry form of snuff inhaled through the nose, was introduced in Europe...
and chewing tobacco
Chewing tobacco
Chewing tobacco Chewing tobacco Chewing tobacco (also known colloquially as hoobastank, backy, tobac, doogooos,Hogleg, chewpoos, chits, chewsky, chawsky, dip, flab, chowers, guy, or a wad, as well as referred to as dipsky, snuff, a pinch, a yopper, a Packing a bomb, a tobbackey or packing a...
have the following warning printed on them: (This tobacco product may be a health hazard, and is addictive)
Pakistan
All cigarettes are required by a Statutory Order 1219(I)/2008 dated 25 September 2008, published in the Gazette of Pakistan dated 24 November 2008, to carry rotational health warnings from 1 July 2009. Under the previous law, health warnings were not required to be rotated.Each health warning will be printed for a period of 6 months. The health warnings are to be in Urdu and in English. Here are the English versions:
1. WARNING: Protect children. Do not let them breath your smoke. Ministry of Health.
2. WARNING: Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer. Ministry of Health.
3. WARNING: Quit smoking; live longer life. Ministry of Health.
4. WARNING: Smoking severely harms you and the people around you. Ministry of Health.
The warnings shall cover at least 30% on both sides of the packet, and located at the top portions of the face (in Urdu) and back (in English) of the packet.
Philippines
All cigarette packaging sold in Philippines is required to have general warning on cigarette packaging as a mandatory. The warnings are:- Government Warning: Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health.
- Cigarettes are addictive.
- Tobacco Smoke can harm your children.
- Smoking kills.
Russian Federation
| Type of warning | Message | English translation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | The Russian Ministry of Public Health and Social Development warns: smoking is harmful to your health. | ||
| Additional | Smoking causes cancer | ||
| >Smoking causes fatal diseases | >Keep children away from tobacco smoke | >Smoking tobacco causes nicotine dependence | >Smoking causes heart diseases |
Warning messages on Russian cigarette packets may be revised in future, falling in line with European Union standards.
| Text warnings will cover 30% of surface | Text warnings of similar design will cover 50% of surface | (Smoking kills) |
Note: 12 different variants.
Serbia
The warning messages on Serbian cigarette packets are visually similar to those in European Union countries, but the texts used in Serbia are not translated directly from EU-approved texts.| Message | English translation | Example design |
|---|---|---|
| Пушење убија. Дувански дим штети људима у Вашој околини. | Smoking kills. Tobacco smoke harms people around you. | |
| Желите бебу? Пушење неповољло утиче на плодност код мушкараца и жена. | Want a baby? Smoking reduces fertility in men and women. | |
| Пушење изазива зависност! Потражите стручну помоћ за одвикавање. | Smoking causes addiction! Seek professional help to quit the habit. |
Singapore
Text warnings were first added on cigarette packets. They used blunt, straight-to-the-point messages such as 'Smoking causes lung cancer'. They were later replaced by graphic warnings in August 2004. They featured gory pictures and were printed with the messages:- Smoking causes a slow painful death
- Smoking harms your family
- Tobacco smoke can kill babies
- Smoking causes stroke
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Smoking causes mouth diseases
In 2006, the images and warnings were revised, with images focusing on damaged organs. The following warnings shows what is printed nowadays.
- Smoking causes mouth diseases
- Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Smoking causes gangrene
- Smoking causes neck cancer
- Smoking harms your family
- Smoking causes 92% of oral cancer
From 1 January 2009, people possessing cigarettes without the SDPC (Singapore Duty Paid Cigarettes) label will be committing an offence under the Customs and GST Acts. The law was passed to distinguish non-duty paid, contraband cigarettes from duty-paid ones.
Switzerland
Switzerland has four official languages, but only has warning messages in three languages. The fourth language, Romansh, is only spoken by 0.5% of the population, and those persons typically speak either GermanGerman language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
or Italian. The three warning messages below are posted on cigarette pack
Cigarette pack
A pack or packet of cigarettes is a rectangular container, mostly of paperboard, which contains cigarettes. The pack is designed with a flavor-protective foil, paper or biodegradable plastic, and sealed through a transparent airtight plastic film. By pulling the "pull-tabs", the pack is opened...
ets, cartons and advertisements such as outdoor billboard
Billboard (advertising)
A billboard is a large outdoor advertising structure , typically found in high traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertisements to passing pedestrians and drivers...
posters: Fumer tue. (Smoking kills.) Rauchen tötet. (Smoking kills.) Il Fumo uccide. (Smoking kills.)
Somaliland
A small warning, in Somali and English, appears on British American TobaccoBritish American Tobacco
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is a global tobacco company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world’s second largest quoted tobacco company by global market share , with a leading position in more than 50 countries and a presence in more than 180 countries...
brands, Royals and Pall Mall.
South Korea
In South Korea, general warning on cigarette packaging are in force since 1976. The warning messages are:- From 1976 to 1989 (For your health, please refrain from smoking too much)
- From December 1989 to 1996 (Smoking may cause lung cancer and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women)
- From 1996 to March 2005 Front (Smoking causes lung cancer and other diseases and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women) Back (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19) and additionally, (You can be healthy and live longer if you quit), (Smoking also causes paralysis and heart diseases), (Smoking also damages your beloved children), (Smoking damages others)
- From April 2005 to April 2007 Front 건강을 해치는 담배 그래도 피우시겠습니까? (Smoking damages your health. Do you still want to smoke?) Back 19세 미만 청소년에게 판매할 수 없습니다 (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19) and additionally, 금연하면 건강해지고 장수할 수 있습니다 (You can be healthy and live longer if you quit), 흡연은 중풍과 심장병도 일으킵니다 (Smoking also causes paralysis and heart diseases), 흡연은 사랑하는 자녀의 건강도 해칩니다 (Smoking also damages your beloved children), 당신이 흡연하면 다른 사람의 건강도 해칩니다 (Smoking damages others)
- From April 2007 to April 2009 Front 흡연은 폐암 등 각종 질병의 원인이 되며, 특히 임신부와 청소년의 건강에 해롭습니다 (Smoking causes lung cancer and other diseases and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women) Back 19세 미만 청소년에게 판매 금지! 당신 자녀의 건강을 해칩니다" (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19! It hurts your children's health)
- From April 2009 to April 2011 (a prospectus) Front (Smoking damages your health. Once you start smoking, it is very difficult to quit) Back (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19! It hurts your children's health)
- From March 2007, various graphic warnings will be printed on all cigarette packages.
Thailand
In Thailand, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a tracheotomy and rotting teeth) are placed prominently on cigarette packages. A recent study showed that the warnings made Thai smokers think more often about the health risks of smoking and about quitting smoking.Turkey
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface)| (Smoking kills) |
or
| size ve çevrenizdekilere ciddi zararlar verir}}(Smoking seriously harms you and others around you) |
Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface) (Smokers die younger) (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and paralysis.) (Smoking causes lethal lung cancer) (Smoking while pregnant will harm the baby) (Protect your children, don't let them breathe your smoke.) (Health agencies can help you quit smoking) (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start) (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases) (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death) (To quit smoking ask for help from your doctor and ...) (Smoking will slow the blood flow and cause impotence) (Smoking causes early ageing of the skin) (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility) (Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens such as benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Ukraine
The warning messages on Ukrainian cigarette packets are also visually similar to those in European Union countries:| Message | English translation | Example design |
|---|---|---|
| Курiння призводить до серцево-судинних захворювань та раку легенiв. | Smoking causes heart diseases and lung cancer. | |
| Курiння викликає залежнiсть, не починайте курити. | Smoking is highly addictive, don't start. | |
| Курiння викликає iмпотенцiю. | Smoking causes impotence. | |
| Захистiть дiтей: не дозволяйте їм дихати вашим димом. | Protect your children, don't let them inhale your smoke. | |
| Курiння пiд час вагiтностi шкодить вашiй дитинi. | Smoking while pregnant harms your child. | |
| Тютюновий дим шкодить здоров’ю тих, хто вас оточує. | Cigarette smoke harms those around you. | |
| Курцi помирають рано. | Smokers die younger. |
United States of America
United States was the first nation to require a health warning on cigarette packages.Cigarettes
- Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health (1966–1970)
- Warning: The Surgeon GeneralSurgeon General of the United StatesThe Surgeon General of the United States is the operational head of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and thus the leading spokesperson on matters of public health in the federal government...
Has Determined that Cigarette Smoking is Dangerous to Your Health (1970–1985) - SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart DiseaseHeart diseaseHeart disease, cardiac disease or cardiopathy is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases affecting the heart. , it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, accounting for 25.4% of the total deaths in the United States.-Types:-Coronary heart disease:Coronary...
, EmphysemaEmphysemaEmphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the tissues necessary to support the physical shape and function of the lungs are destroyed. It is included in a group of diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary...
, And May Complicate Pregnancy. (1985–) - SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health. (1985–)
- SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature BirthPremature birthIn humans preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby of less than 37 weeks gestational age. The cause for preterm birth is in many situations elusive and unknown; many factors appear to be associated with the development of preterm birth, making the reduction of preterm birth a challenging...
, And Low Birth Weight. (1985–) - SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon MonoxideCarbon monoxideCarbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
. (1985–)
Though the United States started the trend of labeling cigarette packages with health warnings, today the country has one of the smallest, least prominent warnings placed on their packages. Warnings are usually in small typeface placed along one of the sides of the cigarette packs with colors and fonts that closely resemble the rest of the package, so the warnings essentially are integrated and do not stand out with the rest of the cigarette package.
However, this is subject to change as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, is a United States federal law that gives the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate the tobacco industry...
of 2009 requires color graphics with supplemental text that depicts the negative consequences of smoking to cover 50 percent of the front and rear of each pack. The nine new graphic warning labels were announced by the FDA in June 2011 and are required to appear on packaging by September 2012.
In August 2011, five tobacco companies have filed a lawsuit against the FDA in an effort to reverse the new warning mandate. Tobacco companies claim that being required to promote government anti-smoking campaigns by placing the new warnings on packaging violates the companies' free speech rights. Additionally, R.J. Reynolds
R.J. Reynolds
Richard Joshua "R. J." Reynolds was an American businessman and founder of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company....
, Lorillard, Commonwealth Brands Inc., Liggett Group LLC and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company
Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company
The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company is a tobacco manufacturer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, best known for its production of the Natural American Spirit cigarette brand....
Inc. claim that the graphic labels are an unconstitutional way of forcing tobacco companies to engage in anti-smoking advocacy on the government's behalf.
A First Amendment lawyer, Floyd Abrams
Floyd Abrams
Floyd Abrams is an American attorney at Cahill Gordon & Reindel. He is an expert on constitutional law, and many arguments in the briefs he has written before the United States Supreme Court have been adopted as United States Constitutional interpretative law as it relates to the First Amendment...
, is representing the tobacco companies in the case, contending requiring graphic warning labels on a lawful product cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny. The Association of National Advertisers and the American Advertising Federation have also filed a brief in the suit, arguing that the labels infringe on commercial free speech and could lead to further government intrusion if left unchallenged. In November 2011, Federal judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia temporarily halted the new labels, likely delaying the requirement that tobacco companies display the labels. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately could decide the matter.
Cigars
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers Of The Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigars Are Not A Safe Alternative To Cigarettes.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Lung Cancer And Heart Disease.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Use Increases The Risk Of Infertility, Stillbirth, And Low Birth Weight.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: This Product Contains/Produces Chemicals Known To The State Of California To Cause Cancer, And Birth Defects Or Other Reproductive Harm.
Stronger warning labels started to appear in May 2010
Smokeless tobacco
Effective June 2010, the following labels began to appear on smokeless tobacco products and their advertisements.- WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer.
- WARNING: This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss.
- WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
- WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.
The new warnings are required to comprise 30 percent of two principal display panels on the packaging; on advertisements, the health warnings must constitute 20 percent of the total area.
Venezuela
For many years in Venezuela, the only warning in cigarette packs was printed in a very small typeface along one of the sides:"" (It has been determined that cigarette smoking is harmful to your health, Cigarette Tax Law) Since September 14 1978
On March 24 2005, another warning was introduced in every cigarette pack: "Este producto contiene alquitrán, nicotina y monóxido de carbono, los cuales son cancerígenos y tóxicos. No existen niveles seguros para el consumo de estas sustancias"(This product contains tar
Tar
Tar is modified pitch produced primarily from the wood and roots of pine by destructive distillation under pyrolysis. Production and trade in tar was a major contributor in the economies of Northern Europe and Colonial America. Its main use was in preserving wooden vessels against rot. The largest...
, nicotine
Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants that constitutes approximately 0.6–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots and accumulation occurring in the leaves...
and carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
, which are carcinogenic and toxic. There are no safe levels for consumption of these substances".
1978's warning, was not removed, now every cigarette pack contains both warnings (one on each lateral).
In addition, since March 24 2005, one of the following warnings is randomly printed very prominently, along with a graphical image, occupying the 100% of the back of the pack (40% for the text warning and 60% for the image):
(This product is hazardous to your health and is addictive) View image (Smoking causes bad breath, tooth decay and mouth cancer) view image (Smoking causes lung cancer, coughing, pulmonar emphysema and chronic bronchitis), the picture is a comparison between a smoker´s lung (left) and a healthy lung (right) view image (Smoking causes heart failure, R.I.P. bearer, Killed by smoking) view image (Smoking while pregnant harms your baby) view image (Children start smoking when they see adults smoke) view image (Smoking cigarettes causes larynx cancer) view image (Smoking causes impotence in men) view image (Cigarette smoke also harms those who don't smoke) view image (take today your first step, quitting is possible) view image
Also, in Venezuela, tobacco advertising is strictly forbidden, so much so that the words tobacco, cigarette, cigar, etc. are not permitted in media such as radio and television and no one can smoke on television.
In the campaign called: "Venezuela 100% libre de humo" (Venezuela, 100% Smoke free), curiously, these warnings only appear on cigarette packs and not on other tobacco products (which only conserve the 1978's warning).
External links
- Tobacco Labelling Resource Centre
- Warning: Graphic Cigarette Labels — slideshow by Life magazine
- BBC News Online: "Spoof cigarette warnings slammed"
- Directive 2001/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2001
- UCSF Tobacco Industry Videos Collection
- Quit Now, website advertised on Australian packets of cigarettes