Graphics to jolt smokers

Categories: Singapore

The Singapore's Health Promotion Board (HPB) has released six new graphics health warnings on tobacco packs which tobacco company has to used by Nov 1. The use of graphic warnings on cigarette packs were first introduced in August 2004. This was part of the greater Singapore government's effort in combating smoking amongst its populations. Other measures used include high import tariffs, sale of only large packs, making sales to those under 18 years old illegal, creating more smoke-free public areas, and the use of campaigns slogans.

The reasons cited for the change in the graphic used is that warning labels become stale with time. HPB is not making any apologies if smokers find the graphic too gory. This is because the graphics are intended to jolt smokers "into kicking the habit, discourage those toying with smoking and push non-smokers to convince their family and friends to quit."

Singapore had been very active in promoting smoking cessation because studies had shown that a lot of diseases are related to smoking. To followings serve to highlight some of the relationship:

> Smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths

> For every person who dies of a smoking-related disease, there are 20 more people who suffer from at least one serious illness associated with smoking

> Smoking is also a major factor in coronary heart disease and stroke

> Smoking in pregnancy accounts for an estimated 20 to 30 percent of low-birth weight babies, up to 14 percent of preterm deliveries, and some 10 percent of all infant deaths.

> Smoking by parents is also associated with a wide range of adverse effects in their children, including exacerbation of asthma, increased frequency of colds and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome.
> Nicotine is an addictive drug, which when inhaled in cigarette smoke reaches the brain faster than drugs that enter the body intravenously.

The HPB also provide an online anti-smoking FAQ for anyone wants to find out more about the dangers of cigarettes. The FAQ also gives a brief explaination on the various options to help quit smoking, the reactions a person who had quit smoking will feel and how to conquer the urge to start smoking again.

Wormie has uploaded the 3 new graphics that will be used so as to help the efforts of the HPB. All the graphics are scanned from the Straits Times.



















Useful reads:
Smoking Cessation Support by American Lung Association
CHAMPSS - Children Helping and Motivating Parents to Stop Smoking
Infotobacco (Includes the facts behind health warning messages)
Keep Kids From Smoking
Smoke Free Women Kick Butt (Information on issues concerning women and smoking, and recommendations on ways to quit)