FDA’s cigarette warning labels: Dead bodies, cancer patients and sick babies
New Warning LabelOver the years my support for tobacco has waned, 15 years ago I would have been right there with Rush Limbaugh and others [ for surely this will become a wingnut outrage of the day,] that this was extreme interference with the capitalist system and that companies have the right to sell what is legal their own way.
During the intervening period I’ve had my teeth pulled since years of smoking led to somewhat incurable gum disease and tooth rot. I’ve seen friends die from lung cancer, and last week my mother died from her battle with stage IV lung cancer. I’ve got zero problem with these labels, and if they keep a couple of kids from starting this addictive habit, more power to them.
Diseased lungs, dead bodies, a man on a ventilator and mothers blowing smoke in their children’s faces are among the images that may end up on cigarette packs in the U.S.
Health officials are considering the striking pictures and accompanying messages in their effort to revamp tobacco warning labels.
The 36 ‘graphic health warnings,’ unveiled on Wednesday, aim to depict the negative effects of smoking, and they will be required on all cigarette packages in 2012.
