Standardized Packaging can deter smoking, says research

A new study reveals that standardized cigarette packaging can cut short cigarette smokers and can also deter non-smokers from getting into smoking. Scientists found that removing labels from the packs and larger images showing health problems might have an enormous effect on smokers.

“Plain packaging may reduce smoking rates in current smokers by reducing the extent to which the package acts as an unconscious trigger for smoking urges,” according to a press release published in the journal Addiction.

The study is primarily based on the Australia’s policy of standardised packs for all cigarette brands without label passed in 2012. Researchers found that the Australia’s move have resulted in the reduction in cigarettes sales. Smoking in public areas including bars, cafes and restraints have significantly declined. People now don’t show their packs by keeping it on the desk.  Moreover, same packaging kills the desire to try every brand by making it less appealing, study said.

Primary goal of the plain packaging is to keep new smokers away by making the product less appealing. However, researchers acknowledged that standardized packing might not have a significant effect on regular smokers but its impact on kids can’t be ignored.

“Even if standardized packaging had no effect at all on current smokers and only stopped 1 in 20 young people from being lured into smoking it would save about 2,000 lives each year,” lead author Robert West said.

Opposing the research tobacco industry said that they conducted a study that included vast consumer base between 1973 and 2002. In the study, it was found that shape, size and color of the pack had a negligible effect on the cigarette sales. In addition, they said cigarettes sales haven’t declined in Australia since law was passed back in 2012.

Moreover, UK is also looking forward to passing the law for standardized cigarette packaging by the end of March this year. The law will be in effect from next year if passed.