FDA trying again for graphic warnings on cigarettes

SOME OF THE FDA'S PROPOSED GRAPHIC WARNINGS. (FDA VIA AP)

Grisly warnings about what smoking tobacco can do to you might take over cigarette packs, if the FDA’s latest proposal flies. Graphic images created in 2012 never made it to consumers on free speech grounds, but based on recent research, health officials said yesterday they are trying again with images of cancerous tumors, diseased lungs, feet with amputated toes, and 10 other harms. Canada led the world with its warnings in 2000 and in the more than 100 other countries that followed its lead, studies show the startling images work. Smoking rates have dropped to 14% of U.S. adults — down from 40% in the 1960s — but almost half a million people still die every year from smoking.