Cigarettes To Have Larger, More Graphic Warning Labels

EL PASO, Texas -- The written warning label printed on cigarette packages will be replaced with a much larger label that shows graphic images of smoking's side effects.
The new regulations are part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act passed in June.
The law calls for new labels to cover at least half of the front and back of each package and to contain images.
Smoker Marco Kato, of west El Paso, is part of the 21 percent of Americans who smoke daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"I probably buy a pack every other day," said Kato. "Sometimes more on the weekends."
He said he never looks at the current warning label on cigarettes. The drastic change in labeling is supposed to change that.
"I think it's a great idea," said Natie Castillo, of west El Paso. "Maybe it will give an incentive for people to think about it before they light up and smoke."
The new labels will be more in line with those produced in most foreign countries. Labels from Canada show graphic images of various forms of cancer and even death.
"I think that's great," said Tara Kahn, of west El Paso. "It's a picture, you know. You're not just reading the words, you're actually putting the words and the picture together so you're seeing the effects of it."
But Kato said most smokers are aware of the dangers, and no warning, despite how graphic, will be able to shake the addiction.
"I don't think the label would change my mind," said Kato. "I think prices will probably change people's minds."
The FDA has up to two years to develop the new labels. Then tobacco companies have 18 months to start printing them on the packages.