June 21st, 2011
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Author: RICHMOND, Virginia — The Food and Drug Administration released today nine new warning labels that use graphic images to show the negative health effects of tobacco use.
Among the images to appear on cigarette packs are rotting and diseased teeth and gums, and a man with a tracheotomy smoking. The labels will take up the top half front and back of a pack of cigarettes.
Cigarette makers must comply by September 2012.
UAB professor Bob Robicheaux is not optimistic that the FDA’s warnings will be heeded, according to a UAB article about his reaction.
“Education and fear doesn’t seem to work with those who want to be involved in these things,” wrote Robicheaux, chairman of the UAB department of marketing and industrial distribution, in his article.
He says ad campaigns won’t significantly lower the number of young people who start smoking; only an effort by family and friends will have an impact on smokers to cause them to stop.
However, the FDA says on their website that the introduction of these warnings is expected to have a significant public health impact by decreasing the number of smokers.
Here’s what al.com commenters think:
- Great News! I think they should do this on Alcohol as well! -illusion71
- Graphic images should also be placed on packs of Honeybuns! -NatTurner
- If people didn’t already know that cigarettes are deadly, then let them smoke and hopefully they will die before they can have children. It’s been beaten in our heads for years the dangers of smoking and some silly pictures aren’t going to persuade people to stop. If $5.00 a pack smokes won’t deter folks, nothing will. -scootrkeg
- This is pretty crazy. I hope it deteres people from smoking even more than the raised taxes and already known adverse health effects do. -bamastu10
- So what happens if everyone all of the sudden stopped smoking? Would all be right in the world? Smoking is a personal choice just like drinking, working, driving a car, or having kids. Its no one elses business if someone wants to smoke. -jsw62988
- You have to admit…that accompanying picture gets your attention. Nasty. -Dontbesilly
- Won’t do a bit of good. The website www.facesofmeth.com as well as pictures on billboards has been there for years yet idiots still smoke friggin weed and rat poison so what makes them think people will stop smoking cigarettes? -BamaMomof2
What do you think? Sound off below, or click here to comment under the original story.
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