Need a source? New restrictions on the display and promotion of tobacco products

On May 31, 2008 regulations will come into effect in Ontario restricting how cigarettes and other tobacco products can be displayed, handled and promoted in retail stores.

Recent research shows that places where tobacco is sold serve as environments where the tobacco industry can communicate with current, former and potential smokers. By restricting visibility and promotion opportunities, the new regulations under the Smoke-free Ontario Act aim to protect Ontarians from the adverse effects of tobacco.

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario, killing 16,000 Ontarians every year. Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario economy at least $1.7 billion for health care annually, result in more than $2.6 billion in productivity losses and account for at least 500,000 hospital days each year.

CAMH expert available for interview:

Dr. Peter Selby, Clinical Director, Addiction Programs, CAMH

Physiological effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products
Links between tobacco advertising and display on smoking rates
Smoking cessation treatment

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Michael Torres, Media Relations, CAMH at (416) 595-6015 or media@camh.net.

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.

CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.