The FDA has announced a new campaign to discourage smoking. Their game plan is to totally scare, disgust and sicken smokers with a series of images that will be placed on cigarette packages. For years the country’s smoking rate has been dropping – until last year when the rate remained about the same. Did you know that smoking is directly responsible for almost 500,000 deaths each year in just our country alone? Experts are hoping the new labels will cut the number of smokers by at least 213,000 by 2013, with smaller reductions until 2031. These graphic depictions of smoking related health risks have already been used in other countries with good success. The images will cover the whole top half, front and back, of each package.
Here is an example of the new label.
- Really graphic.
The legality of the new label campagne is already being challenged in federal lawsuits brought by all the major tobacco companies. Just in case Big Tobacco is successful and the labels are pulled, I thought I would share some of the souvenirs I picked up on my smoking journey.
- This is my arm scar. It looks great with jeweled bracelets.
This is my chest scar. It's where they took my old heart out and put Perpetua in. A tan makes it look even prettier.
- This is my leg scar. It makes my leg ache and my toes numb.
This is my Ad Campaign. I hope it makes a difference.
Posted by Lissa on June 22, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Shanlee, you are so right. I’m glad they’re doing this campaign. I remember the TV commercial where the lady was smoking out of her trach tube incision. That was so powerful. Once again, the AZW is right on target.