America has seen many different changes in cigarette packaging throughout the years, particularly as we became more aware of the dangers of smoking. Cigarette companies once used bright colors and characters to lure in consumers by making smoking fun and exciting. But in 1964, an American doctor found out smoking could lead to severe illnesses like lung cancer. This groundbreaking discovery later caused the government to insist that cigarette companies include warnings about smoking and its effects on health in their packages, thereby safeguarding public health.
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A westerner Ahmadi told Al Jazeera that it was important for people to be aware of the harms cigarettes did- which experts agreed with. However, it is difficult to determine exactly how much these images alter an individual's smoking behavior. Although no studies have yet reported that graphic warnings reduce the overall prevalence of smoking, other research suggests they can slow growth among new smokers. And others have shown that, while the warnings are frightening, they do not necessarily deter many people who already smoke from continuing to do so.
At least we know that American cigarette packaging is a vital educational tool used by the government to educate people about the dangers of smoking. These pack displays of photos and messages are components in a broader strategy to help smokers quit or discourage others, especially young people from taking up the habit. They are critical in spreading awareness, which is important for public health campaigns.
Pictures on warning labels are not only used to discourage the initiation of smoking but also assist smokers in recognizing health conditions that correlate with their current use. For example, cigarette package warnings disrupt smokers to think of the damage they are doing their lungs and hearts with vivid photographs of damaged organs. A reminder challenging their continued public health non-compliance can be the kick in the pants they need to finally quit smoking and start considering a new track.
Most countries in the world advise cigarette companies to have warning signs on their packs But what we see in America, the scale and the nature of these alerts could emerge much differently. Other countries used small text-only warning labels on cigarette packages, like in these four: Other countries require warnings with graphic pictures as well, but they are generally not as large or prominent as in the United States.
The U.S. is very unique in the size of its warnings and how graphic they are compared to other countries. In the US, it is required by law that warning take up at least 50% of the packaging. So there is little doubt that people are seeing these warnings as the pictures in general depict serious health effect, often with images of extreme ill organs and even deformed babies. A high impact visual that is meant to startle and get people thinking about the dangers of smoking.
