Russian Cigarette Packs Now Carry Health Warnings

Cigarette packs across Russia must now carry health-warning messages, as part of the country's efforts to enhance awareness of smoking-related diseases, Hindustan Times reports.

While the law takes effect for all new packs produced in Russia, previously produced packs without warnings will be allowed in distribution through the end of the year, the Russian health and social development ministry said last week.

Under the new law, tobacco companies must print messages announcing smoking's harmful effects, with a main “Smoking Kills” message in a black frame covering at least 30 percent of the pack's front and an additional message that covers at least 50 percent of the back.

Twelve additional cautionary statements, including “smoking causes lung cases,” “smoking causes heart attacks and strokes,” smoking can lead to male impotency,” and “keep children away from tobacco smoke” must also be rotated (tobacco companies will be allowed to change the message once each year with accompanying pictures and graphics).

Additionally, tobacco manufacturers must display on the packets the amount of nicotine and resin contained in the cigarettes, with the amount of carbon dioxide in smoke from a filtered cigarette not to exceed 10 milligrams

Survey: More than 75 percent favor Mich. smoking ban

More than 75 percent of people surveyed by the state Department of Community Health favored Michigan's smoking ban, according to results of a study released this morning.

Researchers with the agency completed the public opinion survey before the law, which bans smoking in bars, restaurants and other public venues, went into affect May 1.

The survey of 10,030 people was distributed to clients receiving services at local health departments in 80 of Michigan's 83 counties between March 1 and April 23.

Among those participating, 88 percent thought that secondhand smoke was a serious health threat to nonsmokers. Nonsmokers were significantly more supportive of the law than smokers.

About 87 percent of participants were aware that all bars and restaurants would be smoke-free starting May 1. Overall, 89.5 percent of those surveyed reported they would go out to eat more often or would not change if smoking were prohibited in restaurants and bars.

"The results of the survey indicate strong support for the free tobacco law prior to implementation," Teri Wilson, a Consultant with the MDCH Tobacco Section, said in a press release. "The good news for the economy is that almost 90 percent of participants indicated they would go out to eat more often or just as often as they did prior to Michigan being smoke-free."

The results belie comments from some bar and restaurant owners who say the smoking ban has hurt their business. A group called the Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan Team also protests the ban and held a boycott of Michigan Lottery games, such as Keno and Lucky Lines, at bars and restaurants Saturday.

Lottery spokeswoman Andrea Brancato said information is not yet available on the effects of the boycott on lottery sales.