Cigar makers reminded to print graphic warnings on labels, too

An antismoking advocacy group yesterday reminded cigar makers that they too were covered by the law that requires graphic health warnings to be printed on product packages beginning Nov. 4.

“While cigars may not be as popular in the country as cigarettes, its threat to one’s health is equally high and could also lead to similar smoking-related illnesses,” said New Vois Association of the Philippines president Emer Rojas in a statement yesterday.

Cigars are made from a single type of air-cured or dried tobacco which are larger than cigarettes and do not have filters. Studies have found that cigars contain a higher level of nicotine than cigarettes, linking it to several types of cancer, gum disease and sexual impotence in men.

Rojas said that under the graphic health warning law, the packaging of all tobacco products must carry graphic photos showing the ill effects of smoking by Nov. 4.

Aside from cigars, other products covered include bidis, kreteks and smokeless tobacco, he said.