Graphic Photos from FDA Depict Dangers of Smoking

One photo depicts a deceased man. Another shows what a cancerous mouth looks like. They’re supposed to shock smokers and smokers-to-be into thinking twice about smoking.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released nine new somewhat graphic images in its latest effort to caution consumers about the health hazards of smoking.

The new warnings are a requirement of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act passed by Congress and signed into law in June 2009. The newly-released images must appear on all cigarette ads and on each carton or pack of cigarettes sold in the U.S. after September 2012.

Tobacco is a leading cause of premature and preventable death in the U.S., taking 443,000 lives each year, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. We spend $200 billion per year on related medical costs and lost productivity.

The goal of the images is to decrease the number of people who smoke or are considering smoking. Each warning is accompanied by a smoking cessation phone number, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, in the hopes that consumers see it at the point when it may have the greatest impact.

“The Tobacco Control Act requires FDA to provide current and potential smokers with clear and truthful information about the risks of smoking – these warnings do that,” said Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D.

The new cigarette health warnings must appear on the top 50 percent of both the front and rear panels of each cigarette package, and in the upper portion of each cigarette ad, taking up at least 20 percent of the space, beginning in September 2012.

The health hazards of smoking are well known, and have been for decades. Will these graphic depictions of smoking’s wrath make a difference to people who smoke? Will they make a difference to children and young adults who want to give smoking a try? Let’s hope so.

Next: View the rest of the images released by the FDA

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

10:17AM PDT on Aug 27, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

Jessica W.

4:20PM PDT on Jul 5, 2011

I also live in Australia and agree with Chris S about the supposed commitment of the government when it comes to the smoking problem, the govt. makes way to much money from ciggies and booze to get serious. When they put out these sorts of campaigns out it looks to some like they are trying to do something but they don't realize the public can see right through their hypocrisy, I do concede though that if these graphic images (and the images on Australian cigarette packets are actually a lot more graphic than what I've seen here) stop one person from taking up smoking or help one person to quit then I am all for them.

Sue K.

9:06AM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

I don't believe these are going to make any difference.And the government doesn't care.For one thing,the profits are astronomical!The tax revenue is amazingly high.And if no one dies from the pesticides they're smoking,eating,etc.... The world would be even more over populated.I used to smoke,the info,photos,don't do anything.What will work?To some degree, ban the damn things!I have seen too many die painfully because of the addiction they could feed by a trip to the corner store.
We need to make it clear,these things are sickening.The tobacco leaves are not cleaned in the processing,the pesticides are left on it.Then you smoke it.That's what does the mosr damage,pesticides!
A few sort of bothersome photos aren't going to change anything.

Annemarie W.

10:43AM PDT on Jun 24, 2011

I'm glad we are at least making some effort here in the US

KrassiAWAY B.

6:08AM PDT on Jun 24, 2011

Green star for Chris S.!

Chris S.

5:44PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

We have had these graphic images on ciggie packets since 2006 now here in Australia. I don't know if they have had an effect in reducing smoking levels or not - must look that up. BUT - as mentioned by someone else here, if the Governments were really genuine in stopping smoking they would ban the sale of them altogether. Ha ha ha.... we know that isn't going to happen as they are far too addicted to the $$ they get from the taxes on smokes!!

The Australian Govt is now wanting to bring in plain packaging - with no branding on them. They will be the first country if this does go through. Needless to say the ciggie companies are fighting this tooth and nail - they can see their almighty $$ profits falling. So Sad....... NOT!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/07/3184738.htm

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/9684562/us-issues-graphic-cigarette-packaging/

http://pez.multiply.com/photos/album/145/Australian_Cigarette_Packs_WARNING_not_for_the_feint_of_heart

Yes, I am a non smoker and have always been. Over the years I have seen too many friends, family and work mates die from smoking related illnesses to make me stay that way too. When a dear friend is coughing up blood, when another is struggling to breathe (even on oxygen) because of emphysema - when you have been to too many funerals - you can't tell me that there is one good thing about smoking............ :-(

Rosie L.

12:52PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

thanks!

Hege T.

10:45AM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

thanks for sharing

Patricia G.

5:26AM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

Strong images. I hope they open people's eyes. Thanks for the article.

NICKY M.

3:31AM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

This makes me so darned angry! how DARE the governments still SELL these cancer sticks! How hypocritical can they get!!.. They are just trying to ease their conscience by beindg behind puting these images on cigarettes and STILL ALLOWING THEM TO BE SOLD!! They don't care one little BIT about the poor peole who are addicted to them, all they care about is the revenue that they bring in. If a drug is found to be dangerous.. What happens? They take it off the market.. WHY don't they take THESE dangerous drug sticks off the market? Nicotene is the quickest drug to hit the brain than any other! Young people need to be protected from starting. I know so many people who WOULD quit, but they are ADDICTS thanks to the government who allow cigarettes to be sold. Some women are luckier than men, they have the incentive of being pregnant to give up smoking! It is amazing how the love of a baby will transcend, even a strong addiction!