Tobacco Documents Online

CoUrrrRr NW rN BRUP Argentina: Ministry of Health and Home Affairs has signed a bill proposing a tobacco advertising ban and printing of tar, nicotine and CO yield on cigarette packs. The Senate has approved a bill to introduce warning that tobacco has cancerous substance. (For more information: Chau Pucho Club, M.T. de Alvear 2202, 1122 Buenos Aires ) Australia: The Government is proposing four rotational warnings to cover 15% of a Ia,ck, front and ---'~ back. A hospital porter was awarded more than A$4.,000 in workman's compensation for being forced to breathe workmates cigarette smoke. (For more information: Australian Consumers' Association, 57 Carrington Road, Marrickville NSW 2204) Belgium: Royal Decree prohibits use of tobacco where food is manufactured or stored. (For more information: CRIOC, Opperstraat 28, 1050 Brussels) Canada: Health and Welfare Canada publishes tar, nicotine and CO listings during the national non-smoking wee'_-c from research they commission and has proposed non-smoking areas in Toronto. Air Canada is to ban smoking on some of its busiest short haul flightsfor a three- months test period starting on 27 April. (For more information: Non Smokers' Rights Association, 344 Bloor Street West, Suite 308, Toronto, Cntario M5S 1W9) Czechoslovakia Cn 1 June Non Smokers Day is celebrated in the whole country. The theme of the day will be "Give us a present - do not smoke!" (Fbr more information: J.T. Kozak, Chest Clinic, District Institute of National Health, 284 30 Kutna Hora) Ireland Government introduced bill to require one-third of tobacco packages for health warnings and impose additional restrictions on advertising, sponsorship and promotion. (For more information: Health Education Bureau, 34 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2) The Ulster Cancer Foundation launched a new Cancer Information Service. The Information Service will provide a sympathetic 'listening ear' as well as comprehensive information about Cancer that will be available to everyone. (For more information: Michael Wood, Ulster Cancer Foundation, 40-42 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast; BT9 6DX) Italy Fierce opposition in Italy against a proposal by Italy's Health Minister to ban smoking in restaurants, bars and virtually every other public area. "This is a proposal for a law against cancer" the Health Minister said, "TWe want to defend non- smokers and also smokers who have to be made to understand they are running terrible risks". (International Herald Tribune: 21 May) Japan According to a survey carried out for Japan Tobacco Inc, the adult sRnoking population of Japan dropped to a record low of 38.3% last year. The Health and Welfare Ministry next year will establish a committee of specialists on smoking and health to publish a';ahite paper an smoking', to propagate informat ion an the dangers of smoking. (Ibr more information: TOFIC, 1-7-3 Hirakawacho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Mal.vsia Consumers' Association of Penang organized an anti-smoking essay competition for primary and secondary school students. Students were invited to write about why they should not smoke. In their magazine Utusan Konsumer various kinds of activities were suggested for students to carry out in schools to counter cigarette smoking. One of the examples given was how to make an effigy of a cigarette men to burn it to show protest. (For more information: Consumers' Association of Penang, 87 Cantonment Road, Penang) Netherlands Government has adopted a change in the cigarette health warning, making it more specific. The size of the lettering has also been increased. A New Tobacco Act is expected in late 1986. (For more information: Stichting Volksgezondheid en Roken, Frederik Hendriklaan 34A, 2582 BC 's-Gravenhage) Spain: Government is drafting legislation to ban TV, outdoor, and cinema tobacco ads. Similar restrictions would be placed on print and radio ads in next few years. (Fbr more information: Carlos Nunez, ACPAS, Antonio Mackado 19, 4th Floor B, Nadrid 28035) i Switzerland Tobacco ads are to be prohibited at skiin competitions. (From IAA Intelligence Summary 4 May 1986~ United Kingdom Health Department is launching big advertising campaign to combat sales to children under 16. New joint industry-government committee. Ministers are being told that Skoal Bandits - the tobacco chewing product - should carry a warning that tobacco causes cancer. The Sports Council aims to end all sports sponsorship by tobacco compa.nies within the next few years. It has committed itself to a withdrawal of tobacco sponsorship and has promised to help governing bodies to find non-tobacco sponsors when contracts expire. (For more information: Health Education Council, 78 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1AH) U.S.A. Federal appeals court ruled that cigarette-Fack health warnings protect industry from liability claims that it failed to warn consumers adequately about dangers and that advertising negates warnings. House and Senate Bills would disallow tax deduction for tobacco ads or other promotion expenses. And associations have argued that such legislation contravenes first amendment rights. Ia.w has been passed to ban smokeless tobacco product ads from TV and radio and require warning lab els on packs and in print ads. (For more information: Americans for Non Smokers' Rights, University of Californiaat San Francisco, 1186 "M" Street, San Francisco, California 94143)