Health Canada updating graphic images on tobacco products

Health Canada is updating its gallery of graphic warnings tobacco products must have on them for the first time in 11 years.

In the coming months, 14 new graphic images will make their way onto cigarette packages.

Currently, the warnings display graphic images of the health risks associated with smoking — such as heart disease, brain damage or even death.

The new photos will build off those previous themes, showcasing once again the toll smoking has on the body.

They include photos of a bulging lump on someone’s tongue, the damaging effects of neck and stomach cancer and even a greenish-black toe from a case of gangrene.

Manufacturers have until Jan. 31 to ensure the latest pictures are on their products and retailers are required to stock the new packs by April 30.

Health Canada says the goal is cut smoking rates from 10 per cent to less than 5 per cent by 2035.

An analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society says that graphic images are effective and memorable but more regulations need to be in place.

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According to the Canadian Cancer Society, quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and when you stop the benefits take effect almost immediately.

“After 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal,” reads its website.

“After only 8 hours, you’ll be breathing noticeably easier. After a day, your lungs start clearing themselves out.”

The federal government offers many resources and tools for those interested or struggling to quit smoking.

One tool allows smokers to enter the parameters of their habit to estimate how much money they could save by quitting.

It says the average pack-a-day smoker could save up to $9,125 per year.