Proposed cigarette labels communicate the already known

Karey Harrigan

Columnist

The Food and Drug Administration has legally had its say in the tobacco industry since President Barack Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009. Now, the FDA is proposing big changes. Through this legislation, they attained the power to regulate packaging, marketing, place bans, and to control the amount of nicotine in tobacco products available to the public. Their inability to get rid of the tobacco franchise altogether seems to be the only thing left to do.

The Department of Health and Human Services is asserting their new role after issuing the Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements Rule, which introduced 36 possible new warning labels for cigarette packaging. The nine that are chosen will be enforced to circulate after Oct. 22, 2012. These new labels, that will be covering half of the front and rear sides of cigarette packs, are meant to visually warn regular and first-time consumers of the dangers of smoking. Pictures of a body on an autopsy table and a man with a hole in his neck next to grim phrases like “smoking can kill you” and “cigarettes cause cancer” will now grace cigarette boxes.

These new attempts at deterring smokers are cartoons compared to the gruesome images foreign countries have chosen to cover their cigarette products. It seems very unrealistic that this will truly make a difference for those who are already users.

It seems the reward that a cigarette provides has outweighed the consequences for decades and shows no signs of changing. Although, this effort is commendable, it will probably end up a failed one because the FDA is simply preaching to the choir.

VCU student Eric Bobber agrees. “I already know the consequences,” he said.

This seemed to be a unanimous response among the student smokers. The cost proved to be the biggest reason people quit or chose not to smoke, not the health consequences. The attempt of the labels to discourage potential smokers does not seem like it will be successful. Once an individual has their hands on a pack of cigarettes, chances are the warning has come way too late. The graphic labels are not providing any new information, ideas or images. These labels are facts individuals defiantly know but have chosen to ignore.

However, this is still a very important measure from the government in their anti-tobacco policies. Tobacco accounts for 443,000 deaths per year and with over 1,000 children and teens becoming regular smokers every day, a more substantive effort than a picture label is needed. Vapor cigarettes could be a better alternative for smokers; health risk assessments should be encouraged since the FDA regulates that as well. Possibly even putting limits on hours where cigarettes are sold and raising prices. The FDA needs a wide range of real citizens’ opinions more than anything.

Still, unless there is a way to get rid of cigarettes entirely, it may be safe to assume that smoking cigarettes is and always will be a matter of personal choice that cannot truly be regulated.