Canada leads the way in cigarette warning labels

Canada will become the first country in the world to require warning labels on individual cigarettes, with the regulations taking effect on August 1. The warnings, in English and French, will include messages such as "poison in every puff" and "tobacco smoke harms children." The move is aimed at reducing tobacco use below 5% by 2035 and strengthening health-related graphic images displayed on packages of tobacco. Tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are already banned in Canada, and warnings on cigarette packs have existed since 1972.