Rochdale voters can take the sex out of smoking

Rochdale residents are being asked to give their views on the choice of graphic warnings to be used on cigarette packs.

The Department of Health has launched the consultation exercise prior to informing tobacco manufacturers of the Government’s requirements.

People are being asked to choose 14 pictures from a range of 42 illustrating warnings that include diseased lungs, cancerous tumours and male impotency.

The move stems from changes to an EU law on tobacco products secured by (Bolton) MEP Chris Davies.

He won cross-party support in the European Parliament back in 2001 for amendments he tabled to the Sale of Tobacco Directive, eventually persuading EU ministers and the European Commission to accept the idea.

Mr Davies says his aim has been to curb the peer pressure which leads to young people taking their first smoke, often before they are 16 years old.

Chris Davies commented:  "We have to break the impression amongst teenagers that smoking is cool and sexy.  I can think of few things more likely to be effective than illustrating the proven risk that tobacco use leads to reduced male sexual potency!

"The impression of smoking being cool and adult should be countered by images that show it is a smelly habit for losers."

The idea for picture warnings came from Canada, where since 2000 cigarette packets have carried pictures to highlight the health risks of smoking. Research shows that the illustrations  significantly increase the impact of written messages, with 44% of Canadian smokers claiming that they have increased their motivation to stop smoking.

Around 26% of the UK adult population smoke, leading to over 105,000 deaths each year from smoking related illnesses.  A target is in place to reduce smoking levels to 21% by 2010.

Vote online at www.packwarnings.nhs.uk

Date article online: 05/06/2006