Graphic images to go on cigarette packets

The public are being asked to choose a series of picture warnings to appear on cigarette packets from next year.

People can give their opinion on a range of images designed to highlight the dangers of smoking on a website set up by the Department of Health.

Evidence shows that images have a greater impact than written health warnings alone, and they have already been introduced in some countries.

Images include diseased lungs, a dying smoker and a foetus in the womb.

People visiting the website will be able to choose images to support 14 health messages such as 'Smoking causes fatal lung cancer' or Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence'.

The final images will cover 40% of the back of packets sold from autumn 2007.

Links:
BBC health

Smoking images

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