"Worldwide, more than 1 billion people use tobacco products—the only consumer products that, when used as directed, will kill half of all users. Tobacco use is the world’s leading cause of preventable death, with nearly 6 million people dying of tobacco-related diseases each year, including more than 600,000 nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. If current trends persist, tobacco will kill more than 8 million people each year by 2030—80 percent of them in the developing world.”
(Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Global-Policy/Tobacco-Control)
31st May marks World No Tobacco Day which has been recognised since the late 80s. This year’s theme is a push for plain packaging to be adopted by tobacco products.
I am proud to say that Australia were the first and have had cigarette packing without logos, large warnings and graphic images of tobacco related diseases since 2012. This coupled with 25% increase in taxes on tobacco products in 2010 has worked to reduced the Australia's daily smoking rate among those over 14 to 12.8% between 2010 and 2013 from 15.1%.
On April 1 the Indian government mandated that 85% of cigarette pack surface would need to be covered in health warnings up from 20%. I understand that there are some implementation issues being worked. It is noted however that there is limited and low legislation with regards the the smoking of bidis which accounts for 85% of all smoked tobacco in India. Unfortunately bidis are not only cheap (average 4 rupees per pack), readily available everywhere but also contain more nicotine than regular cigarettes.
So does the size of warnings on packs matter? It definitely increase the percentage of people thinking about quitting smoking.
The amount of people actually taking the step to actually quit is another matter but I feel that at least thinking about quitting is the first step.
One of the methods being used by WHO in the fight against smoking will be the use of the documentary "Addiction Incorporated”. It is a film that documented the first ever USA federal regulation of the tobacco industry. A trailer of the film is here.
If you’re thinking about quitting consider doing with with a Doctor as your chances improve 84% following intensive counselling. Quitting is not easy but the benefits are worth it. Once we have our clinic up and running, feel free to drop by and chat to one of our doctors.
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