Implementation of FDA label for anti-smoking campaign
Implementation of FDA label for anti-smoking campaign
In 2009, the FDA was given the right to regulate tobacco but they were not given the option of banning it. The Food and Drug Administration will launch a new campaign which includes the labelling of cigarette packets with highly explicit and gruesome images of corpses, screaming babies, tumours and other such horrific imagery depicting the consequences of a smoking habit.
The number of Americans who smoke has dropped significantly from 1970 from 40 to 20% however; since 2004 the numbers have remained much the same. 1970 saw packets of cigarettes being sold for 40c. Cigarettes today are $5.00 due to taxes.
The FDA proposes 36 labels for display on these expensive packets. Their success can be seen in the results of Canada's implementation of the labelling effort. Introduced in 2000, the smoking rates have since decreased from 26% to 20%. There were other anti-smoking campaigns and programs in place at that time so the direct influence of the labelling is not clear. There is not enough evidence to substantiate this idea.
Most smokers I know learned very quickly to become immune to such images. They no longer see the tracheotomy on their cigarette box or tobacco pouch but their children will. I suppose it is the responsibility of the smoker to protect children from these nasty images. Although, the labels will take up approximately half of the packet space on the upper section so that the images will be clear and visible in store displays. Perhaps this is the kind of social conditioning that is necessary in order to stop the habit continuing among the younger generations.
It would be wonderful if we could ban tobacco and the whole world did not turn into salivating lunatics as a result but nicotine is as addictive as heroin and efforts like the latest FDA campaign will hopefully make a difference in the lives of some individuals at least. Controlling this addiction will be a continual battle and one that will be on-going for decades to come.
For those who want to quit smoking, there are easier methods than staring indulging in violent images of smoking related death. Champix is a popular prescription medication with high success rates.