Mandatory Graphic Cigarette Labels Visualize Dangers of Tobacco Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has rolled out a new campaign to stop people from smoking. Instead of buying ad space and putting up billboards, the FDA is changing the packaging of cigarettes.

The standard pack of cigarettes has the Surgeon General warning on one side stating, "cigarettes cause cancer." Beginning on October 22, 2012 every pack will have graphic pictures covering a significant portion.

25 percent of those living in the Ozarks smoke. Smokers and non-smokers alike have opinions about the makeover.

"I know the pictures are a little grotesque, but it's not going to affect me in any way," shrugged Michael Winters, a smoker.
"I think it is a little too dramatic for people," said Abigail Bookout, a non-smoker. "We don't need a picture that's going to gross us out everytime we look at it."

If a picture is worth a thousand words, than the FDA is hoping the graphic warnings may influence people to kick the habit.

"There's been some strong market research that shows that this type of packaging can make a difference," said Carrie Reynolds, regional director of communications with the American Cancer Society. "So we are excited to see that start happening in the United States."

Although the United States was the first to detail the dangers of smoking on the package, America is now behind more than 30 countries who already display graphic warnings.

The American Cancer Society spent the last 10 years working on the legislation behind the new labels. Yet some experts say the fear tactic is not effective.

"Smoking cessation is very difficult, it's a very hard thing to do," said Ann Rost, health psychologist with Missouri State University. "The fear message in of itself tends to not really be that successful by itself to create change, but it does help in prevention."

Although it may not deter smokers, the grotesque pictures may scare kids.

"It definitely has an effect in deterring people who are considering taking up the habit," explained Reynolds. "And the largest age demographic that considers that habit is in the teenage years."

However some feel the campaign is a targeted attack for a legal substance.

"I think they are trying to discriminate against us," explained Antonetta Stoops, a smoker. "it's just, the rules are ridiculous."

Stoops referenced rules like the recently passed indoor smoking ban in Springfield requiring those who light up to go outside.

"The cigar bar, gone. Most bars, especially those owned by smaller businesses, gone," she said, shaking her head. "I mean, this is the perfect way to destroy the economy."

Yet representatives with the American Cancer Society say a third of all cancers are caused by tobacco use. For them, the campaign is another way to get people to say no.

"When you talk to smokers, about 70 percent of them want to quit, they want to stop the habit, " said Reynolds. "If it's being eliminated from happening inside their workplace and the packaging is coming along at the same time, it's...wonderful for this community."

For Winters, the graphics don't do much now, but they may have influenced him to avoid the smokes.

"It probably would have helped a lot, probably would have never started," he said.

Still, many feel smoking cessation education and a written warning are enough.

"You learn about all the hazards about smoking, how it causes cancer," said Bookout. "I don't think you need a picture to remind you of that."