New study shows benefits of graphic anti-smoking warnings

A new study from the US has provided support for the tactic of featuring pictorial warnings of the dangers of smoking on cigarette packages.

Research from Legacy and the Harvard School of Public Health examined reactions to cigarette warning labels from more than 3,300 smokers, with the more graphic examples proving much more effective than text-only warnings.

Those confronted with bold pictorial cigarette warning labels that visually depict the health consequences of smoking said they found these more impactful and credible, while having a greater influence on their desire to quit the habit.

The findings were consistent across all population groups, including vulnerable demographics such as ethnic minorities and the poorly-educated.

Vish Viswanath, associate professor of society, human development and health at Harvard School of Public Health, said: "Given the disproportionate burden of tobacco-related disease faced by the poor and minorities, mandating strong pictorial warnings is an effective and efficient way to communicate the risk of tobacco use."

This comes as the UK government continues to see success with its latest shock anti-smoking campaign, which features the graphic image of a tumour growing on a cigarette.