Glitzy packs of cigarettes cause deadly addiction in children

According to a new study related to Cancer Research UK, cigarette packages that are glamorous and glitzy rise children`s chances to start smoking. This study is published in the journal MBJ Open. In this study, researchers from the University of Stirling analyzed the reaction of 1025 children in the UK on three different types of cigarettes: regular, novelty and standardized packing. The results show that children were more interested in the colorful and novelty packs of cigarettes. Standardized packages did not attract too many children`s attention.

 This research also proves that 8 out of 10 smokers suffer from lung cancer. Smoking started in early ages leads to increased risks to lung cancer. “This research continues to build the case to protect vulnerable children from the might of the tobacco industry`s marketing. The UK must follow the lead of Australia and introduce plain, standardized packs as soon as possible”, said Professor Gerard Hastings, Cancer Research UK`s social marketing expert at the University of Stirling.

 “This study provides further evidence that the more attractive the tobacco packaging, the more likely children are to be tempted to light up their first cigarette – the first step to a deadly addiction which will kill half of them if they become long-term smokers”, said Dr. Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK`s chief executive.