Smoking is a prevalent habit that has significant health risks. Cigarettes are typically sold in packs or packets, which are rectangular containers made of paperboard. These packs are designed to protect the flavor of the cigarettes and keep them fresh. In this article, we will delve into the world of pack smoking, exploring various aspects such as pack sizes, types of packs, and their significance.
What is a Pack in Smoking?
A pack or packet of cigarettes is a container that holds cigarettes. It is usually made of paperboard and comes with a flavor-protective foil, paper, or plastic and a transparent airtight plastic film seal. By pulling the pull-tabs, the pack can be opened. Hard packs can be closed again after opening, while soft packs cannot. Cigarette packs often contain warning messages depending on the country where they are sold.
Package Sizes
The size of cigarette packs is regulated in many countries. Government agencies set the minimum pack size, which can vary depending on the region. For example, in Australia, the most common pack size is 25 cigarettes, but packs of 26 or 20 (the legal minimum) are also available. In Canada, most packs contain 25 cigarettes, but packs of 20 are also popular. Increases in cigarette taxes can cause the quantity of cigarettes in a pack to change in many European countries to maintain the same end price.
In Malaysia, the sale of packs containing fewer than 20 cigarettes is prohibited. In the United States, the minimum quantity of cigarettes in a pack is 20, although certain brands, such as Export As, come in packs of 2Ireland allows the sale of packets of 33 cigarettes, while in the United Kingdom, brands are sold only in packs of 20.
The recent introduction of new laws in the United Kingdom restricts loose tobacco sales to multiples of 30g or 50g, and also prohibits the sale of 10-stick packs and branded packaging. As a result, plain green boxes are now used for tobacco products.
Hard Pack and Soft Pack
There are two main types of cigarette packs: hard packs and soft packs. A hard pack is the most common style of packaging for store-bought cigarettes. It is a stable box made of paperboard, which prevents the cigarettes from getting crumpled when carried in a pocket or handbag. The top of the hard pack usually features the brand name and logo, serving as a marketing tool to increase brand loyalty.
On the other hand, a soft pack is a box packaging made of thin paper, typically containing 20 cigarettes. Soft packs can be considered less convenient as they rupture easily and cannot be resealed. However, they offer the immediate convenience of not having to open the package each time a cigarette is desired. With American brands, cigarettes from a soft pack are usually slightly longer than their hard-boxed counterparts.
Collecting Cigarette Packs
Cigarette packs have become popular items among collectors due to their industrial design and their potential for studying social, cultural, and marketing history. Collectors often base their collections on various criteria, such as cigarette brand, country of producer, time period, and warning messages. Collectible packs, which are labeled as such, are sometimes introduced to entice collectors.
Plain packaging has had an impact on cigarette pack collecting, as it has made packs less attractive. However, some collectors have adapted to the new reality and now include variations of warning messages as one of the criteria for their collections.
Understanding Pack Years
Pack years is a clinical quantification of cigarette smoking used to measure a person's exposure to tobacco. It is a way to assess the risk of developing lung cancer or other tobacco-related diseases. The calculation of pack years involves multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.
For example, a person who smokes 20 cigarettes per day for 1 year has a pack year of Similarly, someone who smokes 10 cigarettes per day for 6 years also has a pack year of The significance of pack years lies in its correlation to the risk of diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.
Pack smoking is a widespread practice with various aspects to consider. From pack sizes and types to the significance of pack years, understanding these factors can provide valuable insights into the world of smoking. Whether you are a collector or simply curious about the topic, this comprehensive guide has provided a detailed overview of pack smoking.
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