FDA Introduces New, Graphic Warnings For Cigarettes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - New cigarette warning labels are unveiled today. They have graphic images in the hopes of keeping people from smoking, but will they really make a difference?
For a quarter-century, cigarette packs have had the health warnings on the side, but those are polite compared to these new ones.
Nine images will take up the top half of every pack, combining pictures with words. One shows rotting yellow teeth and diseased gums, another shows smoke coming out of a person's tracheotomy (pictured).
But smokers say it will take more than a picture to get them to quit.
One smoker says, "I gain weight when I start quitting smoking. I'm already pregnant and big. I need to stop because I'm pregnant, but it's just not working."
This smoker says it won't help: "Everybody knows the consequences of smoking, so if we already know then what's the point? I'll just take the top off and buy a little cigarette case."
The new labels will start in October of next year. The messages on the packs will include phrases like "cigarettes are addictive", "cigarettes cause cancer" and "smoking can kill you."
Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio 1060
